PROGRESO – The city of Progreso inaugurated their first fully operational volunteer fire department.

Progreso city manager Alfredo Espinosa said he’s been working on the project for the past two years, but it hasn’t been an easy process due to budget constraints.

Despite the setback, Espinosa said the department was able to purchase one engine and one tanker.

“It’s important for this community so it can protect, better response time, cut their home insurance rates and protect the people’s lives and property,” he said.

Espinosa said the department is staffed with 20 volunteer firefighters.