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Harlingen Fire Department highlights training, ISO rating and community programs
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Summary
Assistant Chief Daryl Loftus and deputy staff presented the department’s staffing, training programs, recent smoke‑alarm campaign and ISO rating improvement from 3 to 2. Officials discussed CERT outreach, ARFF capacity and equipment timelines for two new fire trucks expected by July 2026.
Harlingen Fire Department leaders briefed the commission on department capabilities, staffing and community programs during the Nov. 19 meeting.
Assistant Chief Daryl Loftus and Deputy Chief (presentation) outlined the department’s four divisions — operations, training, support services and prevention — and said the department staffs eight stations with approximately 110 sworn personnel and four civilian staff. They said about 80%–90% of the department’s roughly $12 million annual budget is salaries and benefits; equipment and operating costs are funded from the remainder.
The department described regional and specialized capabilities: 39 HAZMAT technicians, ARFF (airport rescue and firefighting) personnel, confined-space and trench-rescue teams, and approximately 25 active ARFF personnel with 10 in reserve. Officials said they operate a joint burn building (with Harlingen CISD) used for live‑fire evolutions and training.
The department reported a successful smoke‑alarm campaign that serviced 76 homes and installed 125 smoke alarms in targeted neighborhoods. It also described its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) curriculum (20–30 hours) and invited the commission to consider supporting neighborhood-level trainings.
"We went from an ISO rating of 3 to a 2 in 2023," the presenters said, noting that the Insurance Services Office classification can reduce insurance costs for policyholders and reflects coordinated work with Harlingen Waterworks and improved apparatus and dispatch capabilities.
Commissioners asked about CERT certification and scheduling; staff said the program uses FEMA-structured curriculum and issues certificates of completion rather than a professional license. Loftus encouraged neighborhood participation and said the department will provide scheduling options for evening and weekend classes based on community needs.
The presentation included equipment timelines: two fire trucks are on order with expected delivery by July 2026, and the department continues to plan capital improvements at aging stations. The commission and mayor praised the department’s community outreach, mutual aid and volunteer support programs.
What’s next: Fire staff said they will follow up with commissioners to propose CERT training outreach dates and provide any additional materials on equipment and station CIP planning.
Provenance: Presentation began at SEG 1003 (staff report announcement) and the substantive presentation runs from SEG 1004 through SEG 1450.
