Los Fresnos News

New Los Fresnos EMS/Fire House Up and Running

Business, city leaders and dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially welcome city’s newest addition. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Calling it a great day for Los Fresnos, for Cameron County and for the state of Texas, City Manager Mark Milum unveiled the new EMS/Fire Hall built on the east side of town.

“Wow!” he said. “What a historic moment!”

Milum said the day has finally arrived as the $1.7 million brand new facility is up, running and ready to serve the residents from here and the surrounding area.

He addressed a large crowd of people, including the entire EMS/Fire Rescue staff and a number of their counterparts from

Brownsville and Port Isabel, city and business leaders, local citizens and former first responders.

Dr. Joe Ibarra, the EMS medical director, said he wanted to congratulate all the people involved in such a monumental project.

“We are all here to serve the community and to provide the best medical services we can possible do,” he said. “Thank you all.”

Mayor Polo Narvaez described the facility as awesome.

“It speaks for itself,” he said. “It speaks very well of our EMS and fire departments.”

City Manager Mark Milum addresses the crowd during the ceremony. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN

Narvaez said he himself has requested EMS assistance during an emergency and had nothing but good things to say about those who responded to such situation.

“We have come a long way,” he said. “I would like to thank the citizens of Los Fresnos for their support.”

Manuel Abrego, a former mayor and city council man, said he remembers the days when EMS and fire protection was so limited that saving lives was a dilemma.

He recalled a high school football player, Leo Aguilar, who got hurt and had to wait more than an hour to be taken to the hospital and about a farmer who also got hurt in an accident and died later.

“And to see this happening today!” he said. “This is treasure.”

Tom Hushen, emergency coordinator with Cameron County, said he has been looking at the magnificent facility and to those behind it.

“We have had several emergency situations,” he said, “and these units have always been willing to help out.”

A special recognition was given to Fire Chief Gene Daniels.

After the ceremony was over, everybody was invited to tour the building and to chat with the staff.