Pharr Police Department Earns Prestigious State Accreditation
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that the Pharr Police Department has earned Accreditation Status through the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a prestigious distinction that recognizes law enforcement agencies demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence. The achievement, presented by the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA), reflects the department’s successful compliance with Texas’ Gold Standard in Law Enforcement Accreditation following a rigorous evaluation process.
This accreditation places the Pharr PD among an elite group of law enforcement agencies across Texas, with fewer than two percent of agencies statewide having earned this recognition. Additionally, Pharr PD is now only the fourth accredited agency in the Rio Grande Valley and the third in Hidalgo County to achieve this significant milestone.
The Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program evaluates agencies against comprehensive best practices covering policies, procedures, training, leadership, accountability, and professional standards. Achieving accreditation requires a significant commitment from every member of the organization and demonstrates a department’s dedication to continuous improvement and providing the highest level of public safety services.
“This accreditation reflects the culture of excellence we strive to uphold in the City of Pharr every day,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our residents deserve a police department they can trust, and this achievement demonstrates the professionalism, integrity, and commitment our officers and staff bring to serving our residents,” he continued. “We are incredibly proud of Chief Gonzalez and the entire department for earning this distinguished recognition.”
Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez credited the accomplishment to the dedication of the entire department and its commitment to serving the community with excellence.
“Accreditation is not earned by the efforts of one person or one division; it is the result of the professionalism, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by each member of our agency every day,” said Chief Gonzalez. “Earning accreditation is a reflection of who we are as a department. It demonstrates our commitment to professionalism, transparency, continuous improvement, and excellence in law enforcement, and it reinforces the trust that our community places in us every day,” he continued. “I would like to thank all the men and women of the Pharr Police Department for their service and hard work. I am proud of our team, and this recognition represents countless hours of hard work, accountability, and a shared commitment to providing exceptional service to our community,” Gonzalez added.
The Pharr Police Department is honored to receive this prestigious accreditation and will continue striving for excellence through innovation, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to protecting and serving the Pharr community.
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Invites Community to Pharr Night Out 2026 – FREE School Supplies, Activities & More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department, in partnership with the City of Pharr, invites members of the media and the community to attend Pharr Night Out 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community while promoting neighborhood unity and public safety.
Pharr Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot ( 500 N. Jackson Rd.) in Pharr.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, market vendors, FREE school supplies while they last, children’s activities, and opportunities for residents to meet and interact with members of the Pharr Police Department and other City departments.
Pharr Night Out serves as a celebration of community partnerships and encourages residents to work together in creating safer, stronger neighborhoods.
The media and public are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Night Out 2026
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot (500 N. Jackson Rd., Pharr, Texas)
NEWS – City of Pharr Receives Inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has been recognized with the inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award, a statewide honor presented by the Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program and the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University. The award recognizes Texas municipalities that demonstrate exceptional governance and a steadfast commitment to serving their communities with integrity, innovation, and accountability.
The award was presented during the CENTEX ASPA Public Service Recognition Awards Luncheon on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas. Hilda Pedraza, Assistant City Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Pharr.
The City of Pharr was one of only two Texas municipalities selected to receive the inaugural award, joining the Town of Ransom Canyon. Recipients were evaluated based on the Ten Texas Traits of Good Government, which recognize municipalities that are Respectful, Responsive, Effective, Transparent, Competent, Ethical, Lawful, Innovative, Economical, and Accountable.
The Balanoff Good Government Award was established to recognize municipalities that make good government more than an aspiration—it is a daily practice. Named in honor of Dr. Howard Balanoff and Marilyn Balanoff, the award celebrates organizations that strengthen public trust through ethical leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to excellence in public service.
“We are so honored to receive this award because it reflects the values we work hard to demonstrate every day at the City of Pharr,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. “Good government is built through the everyday decisions we make, the way we serve our community, and our willingness to continuously improve,” he continued. “I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their dedication,” added Dr. Flores.
The Texas Certified Public Manager Program, housed at the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University, is a nationally accredited management development program dedicated to improving organizational performance in government and nonprofit organizations.
This recognition further reflects the City of Pharr’s ongoing commitment to delivering transparent, innovative, and citizen-focused government while setting a high standard for public service across Texas.
City of Pharr Named National Finalist for 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has been named a finalist for the 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor recognizing organizational performance excellence. As one of only 13 organizations nationwide selected as finalists this year, the City of Pharr is the only city in the United States to earn finalist status in the 2026 award cycle.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is the nation’s highest recognition for organizational performance excellence, honoring organizations that serve as national role models. Presented on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the award is overseen by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and administered by the Alliance for Performance Excellence.
The 2026 finalists represent some of the nation’s highest-performing organizations across the healthcare, nonprofit, service, small business, and community sectors. This selection places the City of Pharr among an elite group of organizations recognized for achieving exceptional performance.
“Being selected as a national finalist places the City of Pharr among the nation’s highest-performing organizations and is a tremendous honor for our entire community,” said Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Mayor of the City of Pharr. “As the only city in the nation selected to receive a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award site visit this year, this recognition reflects our commitment to Excellence Every Dayand is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of every City employee who strives to serve our residents with the highest quality care and service. We are incredibly proud of this milestone and remain committed to continuously improving the quality of life for everyone who calls Pharr home,” he added.
The Baldrige evaluation is one of the most rigorous organizational assessments in the country. Finalists are evaluated in key areas including leadership, strategy, customer focus, organizational intelligence, workforce, and operations. Organizations must demonstrate not only that effective systems are in place, but that those systems consistently produce measurable outcomes and sustained excellence.
Led by the Office of Strategic Excellence, the City’s Baldrige journey is a collaborative effort involving every department and employee. Together, City staff use data to measure performance, evaluate results, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the highest level of service for Pharr residents. This recognition builds on the City’s previous national finalist designation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2024, marking another milestone in the City’s pursuit of performance excellence.
This is the result of years of intentional work to build a high-performing organization,” said Dr. Jonathan Flores, City Manager. “We don’t simply say we provide outstanding service; we prove it through performance data, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This national recognition belongs to every employee whose dedication to serving our community has helped make this achievement possible,” continued Dr. Flores.
As part of the finalist process, the City will welcome a team of national Baldrige examiners for an extensive on-site evaluation later this fall. During the visit, examiners will meet with employees, observe operations, and validate the City’s application through a comprehensive review. In addition to determining award recipients, the site visit provides valuable feedback that will help the City continue its journey toward organizational excellence.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is widely regarded as the gold standard for performance excellence. Only one Texas city has previously earned this prestigious honor, and as a 2026 national finalist, the City of Pharr now looks ahead to the next phase of the evaluation process.
Los Palominos to Headline 4th Annual Avocado Festival in Downtown Pharr, Exciting Week of Events Announced at Fresh on the Border Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual Fresh on the Border press conference announcing a week of events that will celebrate the city’s important role in international trade, and economic development. During the event, City officials also unveiled the highly anticipated entertainment lineup for the 4th Annual Avocado Festival.
Fresh on the Border Week kicks off Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the inaugural Gateway Forum, bringing together industry leaders, regional partners, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of international trade, logistics, investment, and economic growth. The celebration continues Thursday, October 8, with the 13th Annual Start of the Produce Season, honoring the growers, shippers, importers, distributors, and transportation partners who move fresh produce from farm to table while highlighting Pharr’s role as one of the nation’s premier ports of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables. Activities continue Friday, October 9, with the Drive for Trade Golf Tournament, uniting industry professionals, business leaders, and community partners for a day of networking, collaboration, and friendly competition.
Fresh on the Border Week will conclude on Saturday, October 10, with the 4th Annual Avocado Festival, taking place from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Downtown Pharr. The festival celebrates the avocado while recognizing Pharr’s position as a global gateway for fresh produce. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, interactive activities, and attractions for all ages.
Festival attendees will enjoy performances across two stages. The 956 Stage will feature Mesteño, Arturo Quintero, Derick Garza, Ali Cat Crash, Vintage Travelers Band, and Domingo Elias 3Zero. The Main Stage will showcase RED, a Taylor Swift tribute band, De Parranda, La Casetera, Braxton Keith, and headliners Los Palominos, offering a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.
Fresh on the Border Week reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the produce industry while strengthening the partnerships that have established Pharr as a vital hub for international commerce and economic opportunity.
In 2025, the Pharr International Bridge crossed 220,000 produce trucks — that’s 600 trucks every single day, a pace no other port can match for produce. Among those shipments, our partners moved 34,000 truckloads of avocados, totaling 1.5 billion pounds worth $2.3 billion through Pharr last year, further cementing the city’s role as a critical gateway for fresh produce entering the United States.
The press conference can be viewed in its entirety here.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival on Saturday, 7/4 from 7 – 11 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the City’s annual Independence Day Festival on Friday, July 4, 2026.
The festival will take place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX 78577). Join us for a night of family fun, including aDrone Show at 9:30 PM and a spectacular Fireworks Show at 10:30 PM.
This FREE, family-friendly celebration will feature live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, a petting zoo, and an evening of patriotic festivities for the entire community. The evening’s entertainment includes performances by Michael Flores & Southern Vibes, Midnight Run, and Trey Gonzalez. A clear bag policy will be enforced.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead as temporary road closures will be in effect to ensure the safety of festival attendees. Motorists traveling through the surrounding area should expect delays and plan alternate routes.
ROAD CLOSURES:
• W. Eldora Rd. between Sugar Rd. and Frontage Rd.
• Frontage Rd. (access into the area permitted; no exiting onto Frontage)
• Frontage Rd. exit closed 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX 78577)
