Weslaco Fire Chief’s 20-year journey of service

It was at South Texas College where Weslaco Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Antonio Lopez Jr. first decided to stay home and pursue a career in Emergency Medical Services, a decision that led him to become the Rio Grande Valley’s first fire chief with dual roles as firefighter and paramedic.

With more than 20 years of service, starting as a volunteer in high school and today proudly helping his hometown become a safer community, Lopez attributes his leadership skills and expertise to the strong educational foundation he received at STC.

“My parents, who dedicated their lives to education, were my inspiration to give back and do something bigger than myself,” the 47-year-old said. “Growing up, it was instilled in me that no matter what I did, I had to graduate from college. Thankfully, I knew very early on that I wanted to be in health care.”

Raised in Monte Alto as the oldest of four, Lopez started volunteering for Knapp Medical Center during his freshman year at Edcouch-Elsa High School. By his senior year, he had not only become the president of the volunteer program, leading about 80 students, but he also started volunteering with the Monte Alto Fire Department.

Upon graduation and inspired by his time helping patients, in 1996 he moved away to attend Eastern Michigan University, with the dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist.

“My first year away, the hospital asked me to come back for the summer. I also continued volunteering at the fire station because I genuinely enjoyed helping people,” he said. “Then I realized my goal had always been to make an impact, so why not make it at home? I ended up coming back for my second summer as well.”

That’s when, through a friend, he discovered STC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and even though he only intended to stay in the RGV for one semester to become an Emergency Medical Technician, he took the first step to a successful and rewarding career right at home.

“As a volunteer firefighter, I always looked up to the EMTs and paramedics, many of whom were from STC. I could tell because they would arrive at any call, no matter how severe, and immediately know what to do,” he said. “Once I started the program, I couldn’t stop. That first class motivated me not only to be an EMT, but to take charge. I had to pursue the two-year associate degree and become a paramedic.”

In 2002, two years after graduating from STC, Lopez officially joined the Weslaco Fire Department as a paramedic and became a licensed firefighter shortly after, as part of the city’s initiative to integrate both disciplines.

“I truly enjoy what I do. It’s a unique opportunity to help people in the worst scenarios. For example, at a car crash, as a firefighter, I have the ability to rescue, but as a paramedic, I can treat them, sometimes even before they are out of the vehicle,” he said proudly. “In most cities, 75% of the calls we receive at the fire station are EMS calls, with the remainder directly related to fire. This highlights the importance and value of our work as a fire and EMS integrated department.”

Throughout his career, Lopez pinpoints Hurricane Katrina as a pivotal moment that led him to explore the field of Emergency Management, a new perspective on emergency preparedness that motivated him to establish a regional team of paramedics ready to deploy whenever needed.

“This moment changed my perspective to an all-hazards approach, considering not only natural disasters or large fires, but also mass casualties,” he reflected. “My motivation for where I am today started with that.”

In 2015, he was chosen as the Fire Chief for the city of Weslaco, an accomplishment he attributes to his constant pursuit of continuing education and training.

“I strongly encourage my peers to further their education, and I’m pleased that today, STC offers so many pathways for them to do so, and not only be paramedics, but also pursue routes in nursing or the fire service. It’s an exciting time,” he said. “Paramedic firefighters specifically are in high demand, everyone who enters this field is virtually guaranteed a job. Here at the Weslaco Fire Department, we actively seek such individuals because ultimately, it benefits our community.”

With many milestones accomplished, including becoming the president of the Hidalgo County Fire Chief Association, actively shaping the future of the profession through his role on STC’s EMS program Advisory Board and, most cherished by him, delivering nine babies on duty, Lopez sees retirement as a distant prospect.

“People say when you enjoy your job so much, it’s not a job. I really cherish the career path I’ve taken, and much of it is thanks to STC,” he said. “As my parents would say, it all goes back to your foundation. Every patient, deployment, promotion, even my retirement will forever be linked to the strong foundation I received at STC and the encouragement from my parents. This culture of excellence comes from STC, and that’s why our region thrives. The education in our region is what makes us excel.”

For more information on STC’s Emergency Medical Services or other Nursing and Allied Health programs, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.