by media | May 30, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr to Host Border Patrol Head of the Class Ceremony, Mayor Hernandez to Deliver Keynote Address on Thursday 5/30 @ 11 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will host the Border Patrol “Head of the Class/Youth of the Year” Ceremony at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577) on Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 11 am to 1 pm. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. will deliver the Keynote Address. Head of the Class (HOC) is in its 23rd year of recognizing high achieving students in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I am honored to serve as Border Patrol’s Head of the Class Keynote Speaker,” said Mayor Hernandez. “Education is powerful, and I am so proud of all of these students from across the Rio Grande Valley who have worked hard, made their education a priority, and are now off to begin a new exciting chapter in colleges and universities across the nation,” he added. “I hope to share my experiences and inspire them to continue to work hard and pursue their educational, career, and life goals,” he continued.
The “Head of the Class” is an award that recognizes 63 seniors from different high schools, which are among 34 Independent School Districts in South Texas.
“I think this scholarship program is a wonderful opportunity created by our local Border Patrol Sector for our students and it demonstrates the power of our community,” Hernandez stated. “Through this program, you have partnerships at all levels – local, state, and federal, and with different organizations and institutions; the ultimate goal is to help our students to and through college,” he said.
This year, Border Patrol announced that for the first time, in the 15-year history of the program, they will be able to give $1,500.00 in monetary scholarships to 10 seniors selected as Youth of the Year Recipients.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Border Patrol “Head of the Class” Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 11 am to 1 pm
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577
by media | May 28, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a special meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
May 19-26 Proclaimed as National Public Works Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation designating the week of May 19-26, 2019, as National Public Works Week. The city recognized the Public Works Department and personnel for their dedication to the community and acknowledged the vital and integral role they play in ensuring that the city and its citizens have a healthy, safe, and clean community to live, work, and play. Public Works Director Ricardo Pedraza and staff accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department. “It’s an honor to work for the city and citizens of Pharr,” said Pedraza while accepting the proclamation.
City Recognizes PSJA ISD Project HEAL Graduates
The Pharr City Commission recognized PSJA ISD graduates who are part of the Project HEAL Pilot Program. Project Health Education and Leadership, a collaborative effort between Region One Education Service Center, Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance (DHR), South Texas College, PSJA ISD and two neighboring school districts was created to increase the Health-integrated (STEM-design) Nursing competencies of under-represented students, specifically students from minority backgrounds through creativity, innovation, and engagement activities that promote diversity in education by creating a culturally diverse Nursing Workforce pipeline prepared for the 21st century and beyond.
Dr. Eliza Alvarado, Region One Project HEAL 2 Coordinator, introduced future nurses of the region that are part of the PSJA ISD Project HEAL Program. Students recognized will be graduating from PSJA ISD and have already been accepted to nursing programs at UTRGV, Texas A&M, and STC. “I want to emphasize the importance of the partnerships we have with the city, schools, and workforce,” Dr. Alvarado said. “This program has proven successful and we are ecstatic to see our first cohort of students enter college ready to begin the BSN program and the next phase of their nursing careers,” she continued. With the success of this program, Region One has been able to apply for grant funding to expand Project HEAL (now HEAL2) into more school districts throughout the region.
“We are very excited and proud of this initiative that we started with DHR and Region One, especially because we are able to accelerate educational attainment as our students will go directly from high school into nursing programs,” stated Dr. Daniel P. King, Superintendent of Schools at PSJA ISD. “These students have spent the last two summers in the hospital doing rotations, rigorous work, met all the qualifications, and passed their tests to begin nursing programs here in our region,” he added. “We cannot be any prouder of you all, this is a great career and we cannot wait to see the great things you will accomplish with your lives,” echoed Mayor Hernandez.
Evelyn Rocha Signs Letter of Intent to Work for the City of Pharr as a Telecommunications Officer
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr Officials held a signing ceremony for Evelyn Rocha, a senior at PSJA North Early College High School. Much like a student signing a letter of intent to attend a university or play for a team, this ceremony signifies Evelyn’s intent to work for the City of Pharr once she becomes eligible to do so in August, upon turning 18 and meeting eligibility requirements required of the position. Rocha intends to balance a career as a Telecommunications Officer with the city’s Public Safety Communications Department and her academic studies as she pursues a college degree. The City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department has collaborated and partnered with the PSJA North Career and Technical Education (CTE) Telecommunications program for over ten years. Through the partnership, students have the opportunity to learn about careers in Telecommunications as they intern and learn from employees at the City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department. Evelyn has participated in the program throughout high school and has shown an interest in becoming a Telecommunications Officer.
MADD Recognizes City with Community Partner Award
Chief of Police Jose Luengo announced that Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awarded the City of Pharr with the Community Partner Award for their continued commitment to the organization and presented the City Commission with the plaque. The Pharr Police Department and Officers were also recognized at the event. Lieutenant Joel Robles was presented with the Diamond Hero Award and Officer Israel De La Rosa was given the Enforcement Hero Award. “Our Pharr PD really does a great job engaging, educating, and working with our community and we commend them for their outstanding dedication to our city and citizens,” said Commissioner Bobby Carillo.
Pharr City Manager Alex Meade announced to the commission that Pharr ranked No.1 this month compared to 9 other cities in the Valley in sales tax collections– 18.36% compared to last May 2018 collections and also ranked No.1 in collections year-to-date. The city continues to show an increase in sales tax growth- in the amount of $2,099,316 from this point last year, an increase of 17.60%.
Pharr PD to Participate in Click It or Ticket Campaign
Commissioners approved the participation of the Pharr Police Department in the 2019 TxDOT Click It or Ticket Campaign. May is Seat Belt Safety Awareness Month, and law enforcement officers are stepping up their efforts to ticket anyone not wearing a seat belt, especially at night. Wearing a seatbelt can prevent serious injury and death in a crash. The Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization is taking place all over the state from May 17 through June 5, 2019.
by media | May 23, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr To Host Signing Ceremony for PSJA North Early College High School Student on Thursday, 5/23 @ 4 pm
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials will host an official signing ceremony for Evelyn Rocha, a senior at PSJA North Early College High School, after Thursday’s scheduled city meeting. Rocha will be signing a letter of commitment to work for the city upon her eligibility in August. Upon graduating from high school, Rocha intends to balance a career as a Telecommunications Officer with the city’s Public Safety Communications Department and her academic studies as she pursues a college degree. The City of Pharr Signing Ceremony will take place at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Pharr City Hall Commission Meeting Room (118 S. Cage Blvd., 2nd Floor) in Pharr.
Much like a student signing a letter of intent to attend a university or play for a team, this ceremony will signify Evelyn’s intent to work for the City of Pharr once she becomes eligible to do so in August, upon turning 18 and meeting eligibility requirements required of the position. The City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department has collaborated and partnered with the PSJA North Career and Technical Education (CTE) Telecommunications program for over ten years. Through the partnership, students have the opportunity to learn about careers in Telecommunications as they intern and learn from employees at the City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department. Evelyn has participated in the program throughout high school and has shown an interest in becoming a Telecommunications Officer.
“The CTE program is designed for students just like Evelyn. She plans on going to college part-time, but still needs to work as she is the primary provider for her family,” said Daniel Ramirez, Pharr Communications Director/Deputy EMC. “She has been an outstanding student and cadet and has expressed an interest in becoming a Telecommunications Officer with Pharr’s Public Safety Communications Department,” continued Ramirez. “We are happy to get her through the process and will have her sign a letter of intent to work with us as soon as she turns 18 in August,” he added.
“This signing ceremony is a special occasion to recognize the hard work and dedication that Evelyn has put into developing her professional career, which has not gone unnoticed,” said Mayor Hernandez. “As a city, we value an individual’s work ethic and when someone as committed as Evelyn has demonstrated their desire, ability, and readiness to enter the workforce, thanks to the great education and training received through this partnership program, it is cause for celebration,” he continued.
Telecommunications Officers perform a variety of communications duties and are the first people who engage with the public in the protection of life and property within the Pharr Public Safety Communications service area and the daily operations of all agencies directly partnered with the Pharr Public Safety Communications Department. The Communications Department will reserve one vacant Telecommunications Officer position for Rocha. She will be eligible to begin working in August, once she turns 18 years old.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Signing Ceremony for Evelyn Rocha
WHEN: Thursday, May 23, 2019, at 4 pm
WHERE: Pharr City Hall Council Chambers (118 S. Cage Blvd)
by media | May 16, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a special meeting on Monday, May 13, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Newly Elected Pharr Mayor and Commissioners Take Oath of Office
The City of Pharr met for a special meeting to canvass election results and swear in city officials. Re-elected officials Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Commissioner Place 1 Eleazar Guajardo, Commissioner Place 5 Ricardo Medina, and newly-elected Commissioner Place 6 Itza Flores took the oath of office and began their new four-year terms on the Pharr City Commission.
Mayor Hernandez and Commissioners thanked outgoing Commissioner Mario Bracamontes, who did not seek re-election, for his service, dedication, and commitment to the commission and the citizens of Pharr. “It was an honor serving with you,” said Mayor Hernandez. “You are a great public servant and we know you will continue to be involved as you pursue your passion of helping the youth in our community,” he continued. “We thank you for your service,” Hernandez added.
Upon each member taking the official oath of office, the meeting was adjourned. Each elected member will serve a four-year term on the Pharr City Commission. The next city meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2019.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. was sworn into his second term in office by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2 Judge Jaime “Jerry” Muñoz.
Commissioner Place 1 Eleazar Guajardo
Commissioner Eleazar Guajardo was sworn into his second term and administered the oath of office by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.
Commissioner Place 5 Ricardo Medina
Commissioner Ricardo Medina was administered the oath of office by Hidalgo County Probate Court Judge JoAnne Garcia.
Commissioner Place 6 Itza Flores
Commissioner-Elect Itza Flores was sworn into her first term by 449th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt.
by media | May 13, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr to Swear In City Officials TODAY at 4 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will hold a special meeting of the board of commissioners on Monday, May 13, 2019 beginning at 4 pm. Among the items on the agenda include the oath of office for newly-elected officials. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Commissioners Eleazar Guajardo, Ricardo Medina, and Itza Flores will be sworn into office.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Oath of Office
WHEN: Monday, May 13, 2019, at 8:45 am
WHERE: Pharr City Hall – 2nd Floor (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr)
by media | May 7, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 6, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
May 6-11 Designated as Economic Development Week in Pharr
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Pharr City Commissioners designate May 6-11, 2019, as Economic Development Week in Pharr. The goal of Economic Development Week (EDW) is to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life in communities everywhere. Pharr EDC Executive Director Victor Perez and Karina Lopez, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, accepted the proclamation. “The city is doing very well, we are prospering, our sales tax continue to increase, and we are attracting more businesses to our city,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We are thankful for the vision and leadership of our Pharr EDC Board and Executive Director Victor Perez and his team.”
Pharr Proclaims May 13-17 as National Police Week
The Pharr City Commission proclaims May 13-17, 2019, as National Police Week and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in the community and those serving communities across the nation. Pharr Police Chief Jose Luengo and officers from the Pharr Police Department accepted the proclamation. Throughout the week city officials, leaders, and the community will join the rest of the nation in honoring the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement officers.
Kenneth Ennis Receives Supervisor of the Year Award by the LRGVDC
Pharr Firefighter Roberto Hernandez, a 33-year veteran, has been named “Firefighter of the Year” by the Rio Grande Valley Firefighter’s & Fire Marshals’ Association for his community involvement, acts of heroism, training, accomplishments, and fire department involvement. Mayor Hernandez and City Commissioners’ recognized Firefighter Hernandez for his work ethic and his service to the community during the city commission meeting. Congratulations, Robert and thank you for your dedication to our Pharr families and community!
Pharr First Responders Make Donation to Trooper Moises Sanchez and his Family
Pharr First Responders and Firefighters held a “Fill the Helmet Fundraiser” and raised $5,762 to donate to State Trooper Moises Sanchez and his family. Trooper Sanchez was injured during the line of duty and remains hospitalized. On hand to accept the donation were members of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Sgt. Johnny Hernandez. “Mayor, City Commissioners, Fire Department, city staff, and citizens of Pharr, on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Trooper Sanchez and his family, we are very humbled to receive this donation. Our Trooper is tough. We thank you for your support,” said Sgt. Hernandez while accepting the donation.
City Commission Recognizes PSJA North High School Lady Raiders Softball Team
City Manager Alex Meade and the Pharr City Commission recognized the PSJA North High School Lady Raiders Softball Team for winning the District Championship title. For the first time in 10 years, the Lady Raiders will be heading to the 6A State Playoffs. Congratulations to the Lady Raiders, Head Softball Coach Stephanie Lugo and Assistant Coach Crystal Dominguez. “Congratulations, we are extremely proud of you all and everything you have accomplished and wish you the best of luck as you continue onto the next round,” exclaimed Mayor Hernandez to the team. The City of Pharr wishes the team the best of luck as they head into the Area Playoffs!
Pharr Receives 2019 Performance Review Survey Results
Michael Uhrbrock with the Data and Information Systems Center at UTRGV presented the Pharr City Commission with the results of the 2019 City of Pharr Performance Review conducted through employee surveys. The survey results found that employees are satisfied with the performance of the mayor – 3.86 overall rating (up from 3.60 in 2016), city commissioners – 3.62 overall rating (up from 3.35 in 2016), and the city manager received a 3.72 rating. All ratings were between 3 (average) and 4 (above average) ratings. Employees rated the leaders on ten different leadership qualities specific to each position. The city plans to use the results to identify areas of leadership improvement and employee issues and to compare the results to the same survey that was done in 2016 and 2018.
City Approves MOU with STC for the Police Academy/Basic Peace Officer Certification
The Pharr City Commission approved an agreement with South Texas College (STC) for course requirements specified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The Pharr Police Department and South Texas College have a partnership that will assist the region in providing training and education opportunities in the Basic Peace Officer Certification program at the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr.
Pharr and American Red Cross Enter into MOU for Disaster Services
City Commissioners approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Pharr and the American Red Cross, as it pertains to services provided during disasters or no notice events that affect the citizen of Pharr.
Featured Event: Pharr Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 27, 2019, from 9 am to 10 am
The City of Pharr Memorial Day Ceremony honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission will pay their respects to our fallen heroes and pay tribute in a special ceremony with friends and family.
