San Angelo Response
When the City of San Angelo experienced a complete water shutdown, McAllen staff unselfishly lent a hand. Mark Vega, General Manager McAllen Public Utility, Elvira Alonzo, Director McAllen Public Works, and McAllen Public Utility crews traveled to San Angelo in subfreezing temperatures to provide their expertise, resources, and technical assistance.
Honoring Peace Officers
The McAllen Police Department memorialized fallen Officer Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Officer Ismael Chavez Jr. at the Los Encinos Police Network Center. The officers’ badges were entombed, facing forwards symbolically to continue to shield and protect the City of McAllen. This is the first phase for a living memorial for the fallen officers. The community policing center was later renamed Garza-Chavez Police Community Network Center to honor the two police officers.
Families of the fallen police officers attended the 40th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. This event honors the memory of the great nation’s fallen law enforcement officers.
The fallen officers were, among 46 Texans, recognized and honored for their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty at the 2021 Star of Texas Awards. Governor Greg honored the families of law enforcement and first responders who were killed or suffered a severe injury in the line of duty.
Fire Station No. 8
A new fire station in Tres Lagos and a dedicated training facility for firefighters is soon to break ground thanks to the City Commission’s approved budget of more than $527 million.
Push Back Ceremony
The McAllen Fire Department acquired a brand-new Pierce Manufacture-Ascendant fire truck equipped with a 300-gallon onboard water tank and a 100-foot telescoping aerial platform ideal for high-angle rescues and extended firefighting operations. The new fire truck was officially placed in service with a traditional “push-back” ceremony. Approved by the City Commission, the new fire truck holds a $1.6 value to the community.
MPD Donation
The McAllen Police Department received an early Christmas gift valued at more than $1 million. Martinez Furniture and Appliance and Vital Church supplied each of the 298 McAllen police officers with a voucher for a new mattress set, a two-night stay at Beach Resort at South Padre Island, season pass for Beach Park at Isla Blanca, a Law Enforcement Bible, personal hygiene products, and a meal voucher.
Fire Truck Donation
The McAllen Fire Department donated two retired fire trucks to the cities of Elsa and La Villa. The donation will enhance response capabilities for the City of Elsa and the City of La Villa and further improve fire protection for the communities.
Man of the Year
Chief Victor Rodriguez was named Man of the Year at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. Hired by the City Commissioners in 2001, Chief Rodriguez has led the brave officers of the McAllen Police Department (MPD) for over 20 years. He is a member of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and McAllen Crime Stoppers.
Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Pan American and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.
The “Chief Victor Rodriguez Inspiration Scholarship Fund” was created in his honor by the Rio Grande Valley Community Foundation in 2021. The award recognizes inspirational citizens with integrity, persistence, humility, and a willingness to do strive to make McAllen the best it can be.
Pandemic Response
The City of McAllen, in conjunction with McAllen ISD and Hidalgo County kicked off the year with the first of many COVID 19 Vaccine clinics. The City continued to host monthly vaccine clinics to ensure residents were better protected against the COVID-19 virus.
The City of McAllen also offered mortgage and rental assistance to families financially affected by COVID-19. This fiscal relief is supported by a grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
The City also partnered with Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) to provide small business loans to McAllen enterprises affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Funded by City’ s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CV Program, loans up to $25,000 at zero percent interest were made available.
The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce offered a small business grant designed to help small businesses relaunch and reignite their businesses. The City of McAllen and the Chamber of Commerce understand small businesses are the foundation of McAllen’s economy and intend on using any resources possible to see them prosper. Grants were made available up to $10,000 to be given to small businesses.
Winter Storm
Following the severe winter storms in February, President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Hidalgo County. The declaration allowed the City to file for costs associated with dissemination of information, Emergency Operations Center, security, law enforcement, barricading, patrolling expenses and providing essential services. The City incurred more than $49,000 in expenses.
