City Departments

The Harlingen Fire Department with a fire force of 109 members and 3 administrative staff is responsible for fire and rescue services to the City of Harlingen, Combes, Palm Valley, Primera, and approximately 60 square miles of Cameron County.  The department maintains seven fire stations on ready-status, twenty-four hours a day throughout the year. 

Our Goal is  to deliver Fire Suppression, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services to the citizens of Harlingen and surrounding areas by providing a well-trained professional work force.

The First and Foremost Objective of the Harlingen Fire Department is to serve, without prejudice or favoritism, all citizens of the City of Harlingen, Cameron County and neighboring cities by safeguarding their lives and properties against the perils of fires, explosions, hazardous materials, emergency medical and any other threatening force that falls within our realm of jurisdiction and responsibilities.

ORGANIZATION DIVISIONS

The Harlingen Fire Department is divided into a number of divisions and sections. 
The following is a brief description of the Harlingen Fire Department major divisions.

Operations
Fire Prevention
Training Division
Fire Administration
Office Emergency Management
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Operations

The Operation Division is the Harlingen Fire Department largest division.  Personnel assigned to this division respond to emergency incidents from fire stations located throughout the community.  The personnel are assigned to a specific 24-hour shift ("A", "B", or "C").  Each shift has two Captains which are responsible for their respective Fire Districts.

The Operation Division responds to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescue, Aircraft & Rescue Firefighting and other emergencies.  Shift personnel conduct pre-fire planning inspections of businesses and apartments within their respective districts:

*  Participate in continuing education classes and practical skills training

*  Maintain the fire apparatus, equipment and fire stations

*  Present public education programs to schools and day cares, gives fire station tours, and participate in community events.

Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Bureau is an essential component of the Harlingen Fire Department.  A Deputy Chief oversees the Fire Prevention Bureau and serves as the City's Fire Marshal.  A Captain serves as Assistant Fire Marshal.   The City has adopted the Standard Fire Prevention Code and all 16 volumes of the national Fire Protection Association.  The Fire Prevention Bureau uses N.F.I.R.S. Fire reports to assist within the determination of where the most serious fire problems occur in the City.

Training Division

The Training Division has the responsibility to provide quality instruction and programs to all fire personnel in order to develop their professional skills.

Fire Administration

The Fire Administration Division, headed by the Fire Chief, Sig Cantu, is responsible for the overall operation of the Fire Department.   Fire Administration is responsible for the development of the annual budget.

The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for operations, purchasing and  personnel management.    The Harlingen Fire Department Administration staff prepares payroll and maintains account payables records.  The Administration staff also prepares the Fire Department's Annual Budget.

Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management was integrated into the Harlingen Fire Department in 1995.  The Fire Chief is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Harlingen.

The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for:

       Maintaining the Emergency Management Plan
        Managing the Emergency Operation Center
        Conducting annual disaster exercises
        Coordinating the planning and preparedness activities of City Government
        Preparing and maintaining a resource inventory

The Rank Structure

The Harlingen Fire Department is a paramilitary organization with the following rank structure:  Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Fire Chief.  Promotions to all ranks below the Assistant Fire Chief are decided solely by scores on a written civil service examination.  The Assistant Fire Chief is appointed by the Fire Chief.

Operational personnel make up most of the fire department.   Firefighters assigned to operations work a 24-hour shift and are off for 48 hours.   The firefighting staff is divided into three shifts ("A", "B", & "C").  Firefighters are assigned to a team on a particular fire apparatus (engine, aerial truck, rescue unit) at a fire station.

A Lieutenant is in charge of a fire company and is the ranking supervisor.  Lieutenants are also responsible for their respective fire stations.

A Captain is responsible for three or more companies which are assigned particular districts.  The City is divided into two districts with a Captain in charge of each district.

A Battalion Chief is assigned to training and a deputy chief is assign to the Fire Prevention Office as the Fire Marshal.  One Assistant Chief is appointed by the Fire Chief.  The Fire Chief is appointed by the City Manager with the approval of the City Commission.

  Link to   CIVIL SERVICE  for Recruitment Announcement for the Entry Level Firefighter.