PROGRESO – The opening of the new fire department for the city of Progreso is being delayed a month.

It was previously announced the city was going to receive its own fire department. For years, the Weslaco Fire Department was responding to fire calls in Progreso.

Progreso City Manager Alfredo Espinosa said creating a fire department was number one priority. He said the department was set to open in late April of this year.

Espinosa now says the opening of the department is postponed until late May.

He said the reason for this is because the firefighters have been given the opportunity to receive additional training.

“The EMT training that the RGV training alliance offers,” he said.

Espinosa said he felt it was important his fire department received the extra training. He believes it will better equip his department to serve the residents of Progreso.