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Pharr deputy fire chief to retire after 37 years; police chief reports strong exam turnout
Summary
Deputy Fire Chief Carlos Arispe told the Civil Service Commission he will retire after 37 years and outlined remaining vacancies; Police Chief Juan Gonzalez reported strong participation in the Oct. 3 entry-level police exam and invited the public to a department event.
Deputy Fire Chief Carlos Arispe announced at the Pharr Civil Service Commission meeting on Oct. 28 that he will retire after 37 years of service and described vacancies and promotional outcomes within the fire department.
Arispe said promotional exams produced new battalion chief and other promotions but "unfortunately, nobody passed the deputy chief." He said there will be three vacancies available for testing or for placement on the eligibility lists. Arispe also said he recently returned to duty after seven months on medical leave and that he intends to retire after a long career: "I'm able to return. And, after 37 years, I'm here to announce that... I will be retiring after 37 years." The transcript did not specify an exact retirement date.
Police Chief Juan Gonzalez reported a strong turnout for the Oct. 3 entry-level police officer exam, telling the commission that "we did have approximately about 112 applicants that showed up to the test and we had 235 that actually applied for the test." He said the department currently has "several openings" for police officers and that other sworn and civilian positions are filled. Gonzalez thanked the civil service office: "I wanna thank Civil Service Director Ms. Ramirez and her staff for the help that was done on the date of the test." He also invited the public to a department community event: "we'll be out there... this Friday from 6 to 9 at the Main Event, 500 North Jackson."
Civil Service Director Veronica Ramirez told the commission that testing and promotion processes have been running "smoothly" and praised the higher participation after outreach efforts. Commissioners used the meeting to recognize first responders for National First Responders Day and thanked Arispe for his service.
The commission did not take formal action on Arispe's retirement announcement during the meeting; business items that required votes (minutes, exam lists) were handled separately and approved by voice vote.
Provenance: Transcript excerpts supporting these remarks include Chief Gonzalez’s report on applicant counts and his event invitation, and Deputy Chief Arispe’s remarks on exam outcomes, vacancies and his retirement announcement.
