Photo Caption: South Texas College celebrated the completion of its 37th, 40th and 41st Fire Academies, honoring cadets who dedicated themselves to a profession built on courage, sacrifice and service. Serving as keynote speaker was Edinburg Deputy Fire Chief and recent STC graduate Ubaldo Perez, third from right. Als in attendance were Edinburg Fire Department Chief Omar Garza and Assistant Fire Chief Gabriel Espinoza, second and third from left, respectively. Photo courtesy STC Communications.
Joey Gomez, STC Communications
MCALLEN, TEXAS – South Texas College celebrated the completion of its 37th, 40th and 41st Fire Academies recently, honoring a new generation of firefighters prepared to serve communities across the Rio Grande Valley.
Family members, instructors, fire chiefs and community leaders gathered for the ceremony at STC’s Pecan Campus, where 35 cadets were recognized for completing months of demanding physical and academic training.
In attendance at the ceremony was Mission CISD Superintendent Cris King, Ph.D., Edinburg Fire Department Chief Omar Garza and Assistant Fire Chief Gabriel Espinoza, Elsa Fire Department Chief Rafael Gutierrez and Edcouch Fire Chief Victor Nieves.
Keynote speaker at the ceremony was Edinburg Deputy Fire Chief and recent STC graduate Ubaldo Perez, who completed his degree in Fire Science this May.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., was in attendance to congratulate all the cadets and their families for supporting them through the academy’s long hours and intense training program.
“You answered a calling built on courage, discipline and service to others,” Solis said. “As you move forward, remember that every call you answer represents an opportunity to protect lives and to make an incredible difference.”
Robert Vela Jr., site administrator for STC’s Regional Safety for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE) campus in Pharr, served as the emcee of the event and welcomed graduates while reminding them that the ceremony represented both an ending and a beginning.
“Tonight marks the end of a demanding journey and the beginning of a meaningful career dedicated to service, sacrifice and the protection of our communities,” Vela said. “Through long hours of training, physical and mental challenges and countless moments of perseverance, these graduates have prepared themselves for a profession that calls upon ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”
The ceremony also marked a milestone for STC and Mission Consolidated Independent School District with the graduation of the college’s second Dual Credit Fire Academy cohort, made up of five high school students from Mission CISD.
The 37th Fire Academy dual credit cohort included Luis Andres Guzman, Allan Navejar, Angelo Ortiz, Eric Silva and Samantha Sotelo.
Sotelo, who is a dual credit student from Mission Veterans Memorial High School, said the academy helped her mature and understand the value of teamwork.
“I have always thought that if you had the chance to help people on the worst day, you should take it,” Sotelo said. “Going in, we were just high school kids, not really knowing anything about life. But this academy shaped us for the better.”
Her fellow cadet, Silva, said balancing the academy with high school wasn’t easy, but the experience helped him develop discipline and a strong work ethic.
“I have come to realize that the best things in life are not easy,” Silva said. “It was a great opportunity to build that balance and learn to work hard. I am continuing my education in the Fire Science program at STC and I hope to begin working with a fire department soon.”
Mission CISD Superintendent King acknowledged that firefighters are trusted symbols of hope and courage in every community. Speaking to Dual Credit Academy cadets like Sotelo and Vila, King said the graduates are already proving that they are “future ready, career ready and life ready.”
“Being a firefighter is not simply about fighting fires. It’s about protecting lives,” King said. “It’s about remaining calm under pressure. It’s leading in moments of uncertainty and serving others with integrity and heart. When most of us run away from danger, firefighters run towards it…that deserves our community’s deepest respect.”
STC Fire Academy Instructor Victor Fonseca Jr. said the ceremony was especially meaningful because three academy classes trained at the same campus, something he said took coordination, support and commitment from multiple departments, instructors and STC staff.
“Firefighting is not something you do. It’s something that you are,” Fonseca said. “Anyone can join a fire academy, but not everyone can become a firefighter.”
For more information on STC’s Fire Academy visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/fire-science/academy.html.