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Staff Report
McALLEN TX - The McAllen Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Team is bringing its Life and Fire Safety program, known as LAFS, back to area schools this October in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, featuring a new theme and expanded cast of characters designed to make safety lessons interactive and memorable for students.
Now in its second year, LAFS will visit approximately 30 schools across McAllen ISD, Edinburg CISD, Sharyland ISD, IDEA Public Schools, private schools and learning centers, as well as a school in Reynosa, Mexico.
This year’s theme, “Firemon Go! A Hero’s Journey!,” introduces new characters and expands the program beyond fire safety to cover a range of everyday safety topics. Students will learn what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they activate; how to call 911 and what information to provide; lithium-ion battery and electrical safety; how to stay safe when interacting with others online; and how to recognize unsafe situations, say no and tell a trusted adult.
Schools will receive a LAFS presentation for students in second through fifth grade and a puppet show for students in prekindergarten through first grade.
Returning characters Rescue Rob, Cadet Joshy, Sweats Sinfuegos and Freddy the Fire Truck will be joined by new characters Bumper, Team Danger and Professor Spanner.
The 2026 production also features a new stage backdrop, props and an expanded visual setup. Students are encouraged to share what they learned with their families to reinforce safety practices at home.
“The Life and Fire Safety program is a great example of the dedication and creativity of our Fire Department team,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “What began as a program for students continues to grow, with our firefighters bringing important safety lessons to schools throughout the region. It’s something to be proud of and a great reflection of the team’s commitment to helping keep families safe.”
October School Visit Schedule
The McAllen Fire Department’s LAFS school visits are scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the following schools:
Oct. 1 — Castañeda Elementary; Oct. 2 — Alvarez Elementary; Oct. 5 — Garza Elementary; Oct. 6 — Wilson Elementary; Oct. 7 — Sanchez Elementary; Oct. 8 — McAuliffe Elementary; Oct. 9 — Houston Elementary; Oct. 12 — Weather Make Up Day; Oct. 13 — Roosevelt Elementary; Oct. 14 — Perez Elementary; Oct. 15 — Rayburn Elementary; Oct. 16 — Gonzalez Elementary; Oct. 19 — Fields Elementary; Oct. 20 — Seguin Elementary; Oct. 21 — Jackson Elementary; Oct. 22 — Escandon Elementary; Oct. 23 — Hendricks Elementary; Oct. 26 — Thigpen-Zavala Elementary; Oct. 27 — Milam Elementary.
To schedule a school visit or coordinate media coverage, contact the McAllen Fire Department at (956) 681-2500 Ext. 2569 or email Lt. Erick Alaniz at Erick.Alaniz@mcallen.net.
Source - McAllen Fire Department