by media | Aug 19, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police News
Pharr Hosts Sen. Cornyn for Mental Health Roundtable Discussion & Press Conference
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders were excited to host U.S. Senator John Cornyn at a roundtable discussion on local Mental Health initiatives and federal legislation with regional leaders and law enforcement agencies. Pharr city commissioners welcomed Cornyn and individuals representing collaborative agencies including Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, DHR Health Behavioral Hospital, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, among others.
Cornyn opened the discussion by providing attendees with an overview of the importance of mental health treatment for local communities, especially in the wake of the recent mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Cornyn lauded his efforts to pass key legislation in the U.S. Senate for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022. The legislation reauthorizes expiring programs under this initiative and also expands the use of multi-disciplinary response teams and provides resources and mental health training for law enforcement officers. The Act also enhances access to mental health services.
“We appreciate Senator Cornyn’s efforts to promote and support mental health legislation through which innovative and collaborative programs like the Mental Health Unit are made possible, and we are seeing a direct impact on our community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This type of compassionate intervention that they provide is working to save lives, and we are so proud of the work that the Mental Health Unit is doing in our city for our residents,” Hernandez added.
Pharr City Commissioners and City Manager/Police Chief Andy Harvey provided Cornyn with an overview of Pharr’s innovative Mental Health Unit. The Unit, founded in 2020 through a collaborative initiative between the Pharr Police Department and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, utilizes trained mental health officers and a clinician to respond to incidents where an individual may be experiencing a mental health crisis and get them the help they need. The Unit was recently awarded a $550,000 grant by the U. S. Department of Justice to expand its services and was recognized earlier this year as “Organization of the Year” by the Texas Crisis Intervention Team Association.
The visit included a brief and intimate testimonial by an individual who was helped by the Mental Health Unit, and he thanked them for changing his life after experiencing a crisis. He now has a steady job and credits the Unit for helping him through his situation. At a press conference after the roundtable, Cornyn remarked, “If we can get people the help they need and access to that care, that protects them from being a danger to themselves or others as well.”
“The challenge of mental health affects every family in America,” Cornyn continued. “I’m so happy to be here in Pharr and to hold this up as a great example of what can be duplicated in other parts of the state and other parts of the country,” Cornyn added.
Pharr Commissioner Ricardo Medina, Senator John Cornyn, and Pharr Commissioner Ramiro Caballero
(l-r) Pharr Assistant Chief of Police Joel Robles, City Manager/Police Chief Andy Harvey, and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Chief Operating Officer Mike Taylor
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
by media | Aug 17, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police News
City of Pharr and Sen. Cornyn to Host Discussion on Mental Health this Thursday, 8/18 @ 10:30 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and U.S. Senator John Cornyn will host a roundtable discussion on local Mental Health initiatives and federal legislation with regional leaders and law enforcement agencies.
The event will take place at 10:30 am this Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the Pharr ONE Northside Center (1121 East Nolana Loop) in Pharr.
All media are invited to attend.
Please see the Media Advisory released from Senator Cornyn’s office below for more information.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
by media | Aug 3, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police Department, Police News
Pharr City Manager Chief Andy Harvey Named New LEITF Co-chair
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that earlier today, the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) named City Manager Chief Andy Harvey as the new LEITF Co-chair.
The announcement was made in the following press release:
Chief Andy Harvey Named New LEITF Co-chair
PHARR, TEXAS — Chief Andy Harvey of Pharr, Texas — on the border with Reynosa, Mexico — is a new co-chair of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force.
Harvey currently serves as Police Chief and City Manager of Pharr and has been outspoken about the need for better border and immigration policies, including in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about policing and immigration in 2019.
He assumes his leadership role at a pivotal moment for border and immigration reforms. In polling earlier this year, about 4 in 5 respondents said they would support “Republicans and Democrats working together on immigration reforms that strengthen border security, create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, and ensure a legal, reliable workforce for America’s farmers and ranchers.”
“What’s actually occurring in our local communities is important to the larger conversation surrounding immigration. We are all less safe without commonsense immigration reforms and practical, effective border security. Let’s work together to make our nation safer,” said Chief Andy Harvey of Pharr, Texas.
“Chief Harvey’s more than 26 years of public service and leadership experience, spanning positions in law enforcement, the military, and city government, as well as his expertise in immigration are welcome assets as he joins the task force’s leadership,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County, Texas.
Chief Harvey’s fellow co-chairs are Sheriff Ed Gonzalez (Harris County, Texas) and Sheriff Margaret Mims (Fresno County, California).
View the release in its entirety here: https://leitf.org/[2022][08][harveycochair][].
by media | Aug 2, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
REMINDER – City of Pharr to Host Pharr Night Out TODAY, Tuesday, 8/2 @ 5pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Pharr Police Department will be hosting Pharr Night Out in celebration of building police and community partnerships to prevent crime.
The event will take place TODAY, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 5 pm – 10 pm at the Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 Fir St.) in Pharr.
“This event is a celebration of our community partnerships and our emphasis on building healthy community relationships with our police department,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The City of Pharr is proud of the partnerships our Pharr Police Department continues to foster with the community, local agencies, and organizations,” he added. “We invite everyone to join us for an evening of family fun, and activities,” said Hernandez.
“We believe in lifting our city,” Chief Andy Harvey said. “Adding value to our kiddos is one way we do that. This is true community in action.”
Pharr Night Out is a family-friendly event for the entire community! The parking area will be filled with vendors who will be giving away school supplies and other goodies. Make plans to join us, have a good time, and BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS!
Parking will be available at the PSJA Stadium and Liberty Middle School. Guests with bracelets will be allowed into the Aquatic Park, in 2-hour increments, due to space regulations.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Night Out
WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 5 pm – 10 pm
WHERE: Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 Fir St., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Jul 26, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Proclaims July 2022 as Parks and Recreation Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring July 2022 as Parks and Recreation Month. This month is a time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life and in contributing to the physical, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. It is also a time to recognize all the professionals and volunteers who build strong, vibrant, and resilient community programs for our children through the power of Parks and Recreation. Pharr Parks and Recreation Director Sergio Alanis along with his staff accepted the proclamation. “We have about 15,000 kids from throughout the Pharr community who participate in our camps, programs, sports, and after-school programs year-round,” said Alanis. “We thank the city commission for your recognition and all the volunteers, parents, and children who take part in making our programs so successful,” he added.
Commission Recognizes Pharr Parks & Recreation Girls’ Pony League All-Stars
The Pharr City Commission recognized the Pharr Parks & Recreation 14 youth All-Star girls’ team. Parks and Recreation Director Sergio Alanis introduced the team and the coaches. He also announced that the team earned 3rd place in the league. Coach Marco Antonio Snell thanked the city commission and parents for their support and his team for their dedication and hard work. “I’m honored to teach this amazing team of girls and am proud of how far they have gone on to compete throughout the season,” said Coach Snell. Mayor Hernandez and commissioners each thanked the coaches, parents, and team for their outstanding performance throughout the season.
City Manager Announces Sales Tax Report for July
City Manager Andy Harvey announced that the Sales Tax Collection Report for July showed an increase of 8.34% Month-to-Month compared to last year (July 2021) and overall 12.72% growth compared to last year’s collections.
Commission Introduces New City Engineer and Public Works Director
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Andy Harvey introduced and recognized the city’s new City Engineer Ruben Alfaro and Public Works Director Rodrigo Davila. “Ruben comes to us from TxDOT and previously worked for the City of Pharr and Rodrigo comes to us from the City of Harlingen,” said City Manager Andy Harvey. “We are proud to welcome you both to the City of Pharr and look forward to the great work you will contribute to our Team Pharr family,” he added.
Commission Approves MOU between the City of Pharr/Pharr International Bridge and South Texas College for Certified Customs Specialist Program
The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Pharr/Pharr International Bridge and South Texas College for a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Program. On April 28, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge held a BridgeConnect Session for Certified Customs Specialist Program in conjunction with South Texas College, which sparked an interest in the trade community. After several meetings, the Pharr International Bridge was informed by STC that a total of 6 students applied for the program and would like to form a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Pharr / Pharr International Bridge. The Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Program is designed to assist trade professionals involved in the import industry to become experts in the current import regulations.
by media | Jul 12, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Approves Proclamation Declaring the Week of July 18-22, 2022 as the 100th Anniversary of the Pharr Fire Department
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of July 18-22, 2022 as the 100th Anniversary of the Pharr Fire Department. The Pharr Fire Department is one of the oldest serving fire departments in Hidalgo County, Texas. It started as an all-volunteer fire department in July 1922 and today it operates as a combination department with 83 career full-time staff and 20 volunteer members. Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez and members from the department accepted the proclamation during the city meeting. “We thank you for recognizing our service to the citizens of Pharr over the past 100 years and our dedication to preserving life and protecting property,” said Chief Rodriguez. The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a Centennial Celebration on July 21, 2022 from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Pharr Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd) next to Pharr City Hall.
Commission Recognizes Pharr Parks & Recs Pony League All-Stars
The Pharr City Commission recognized the Pharr Parks & Recreation Pony League All-Star boys and girls teams who are currently competing in the All-Stars. Pharr Parks & Recs. Director Sergio Alanis thanked the players, coaches, parents, volunteers, and community for their support. He announced that the boy’s team placed first in the region and the girls placed third.
Commission Recognizes SB 250 Bike Ride from McAllen to San Antonio
The Pharr City Commission and Pharr EMS recognized Casey Swanson and his nonprofit, Suzannah Smiles, for their work in coordinating and hosting the SB-250, a 2 day fully supported group ride from McAllen to San Antonio that raises funds for Spina Bifida Texas. This is the 11th year undertaking this event – in the past 9 years, almost 500 cyclists have completed the trek collectively raising over $194,500 in the first 9 years for Spina Bifida Texas. This year over $55,000 was raised. Pharr EMS is proud to serve as a sponsor and participates on-site to provide emergency care to participating cyclists.
Commission Reappoints Judge Rudy Martinez as Alternate Municipal Judge
The Pharr City Commission approved an ordinance reappointing Judge Rudy Martinez as Alternate Municipal Judge. The current term of the Alternate Municipal Judge was set to expire on July 6, 2022.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to execute an Investigator-Initiated Study Agreement with BFLY Operations, Inc.
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute an Investigator-Initiated Study Agreement between BFLY Operations, Inc. and the City of Pharr / Pharr EMS. This agreement will allow Pharr EMS to participate in a DHR Research study with BFLY Operations.
Featured Event: Pharr Fire Department 100th Anniversary Celebration – Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm
The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a Centennial Celebration on July 21, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Pharr Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd) next to Pharr City Hall. Everyone is invited to join us!
