The McAllen Fire Department gained 13 new firefighters on Monday after they graduated from the department’s fire academy.

The graduates were honored during a special ceremony.

“This ceremony is about more than completing an academy; it’s about the pride, discipline, and service instilled in each of these men,” McAllen Fire Chief Juan Gloria said in a statement. “Families play a vital role in supporting our firefighters throughout their careers, and today we celebrate their commitment as well.”

According to a news release, the graduation ceremony also underscored McAllen’s commitment to fostering future leaders through in-house academies, ensuring firefighters are prepared to serve with excellence while remaining closely connected to the community they protect. 

“The decision these 13 cadets made to become firefighters is more than a career choice, it’s a commitment to rigorous training, continuous professional development, and the safety of our entire community,” McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil.