2025S0258-1 03/17/25

By: Hinojosa of Hidalgo S.R. No. 312

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Battalion Chief Sergio Vasquez and engineers Jesus Gonzalez and Charlie Cavazos, three members of the Pharr Fire Department who risked their lives to assist in fighting the catastrophic wildfires that swept across Southern California in January of 2025; and

WHEREAS, The fires that broke out in Los Angeles swiftly engulfed the region and overwhelmed local firefighters' attempts to control the spread; as the blazes continued to threaten communities across the region, a team from the Pharr Fire Department bravely answered the call for assistance and mobilized with seven other agencies as part of the Alamo Strike Team and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System; and

WHEREAS, These valorous Texans worked along side firefighters from across the country to help contain the fires; they willingly spent weeks away from their families and braved treacherous conditions to render aid and protect property and lives from being destroyed, and notably, the Pharr Fire Department was the only fire department south of San Antonio that stepped forward to help during this crisis; and

WHEREAS, These esteemed firefighters distinguished themselves through their courage to put themselves in harm's way at a time of desperate need far from their homes; their actions are a testament to the generosity of the Pharr community and the national spirit of mutual aid; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commend Sergio Vasquez, Jesus Gonzalez, and Charlie Cavazos of the Pharr Fire Department for deploying to battle the historic 2025 wildfires in California and extend to them sincere appreciation for their selfless dedication to duty; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the Pharr Fire Department as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.