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Harlingen considers outsourcing firefighting services amid opposition

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Harlingen considers outsourcing firefighting services amid opposition
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AviationPros | AviationPros

For several months, Harlingen city and airport officials have been deliberating over two proposals concerning the provision of aircraft rescue and firefighting services at Valley International Airport. Recently, a proposal known as Plan A has gained prominence. This plan involves hiring Pro-Tec Fire Services, a company based in Appleton, Wisconsin, recognized as North America's largest provider of such services.

Currently, the airport is considering terminating its $1.2 million agreement with the Harlingen Fire Department in favor of contracting Pro-Tec for $973,000 under a proposed five-year contract. This move has sparked opposition from the Harlingen Professional Firefighters' Association, which warns it may file a lawsuit against the city if the airport's board hires Pro-Tec. The association argues that this action could violate Civil Service law protecting firefighters' jobs.

Marv Esterly, the airport's aviation director, supports hiring Pro-Tec to save approximately $1.9 million over five years while addressing concerns about federal training violations by the fire department. Between 2017 and 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited three training violations within the department. Last year, Esterly self-reported "misleading" entries in training logs from two classes held in June and July.

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In response to an inquiry from Valley Morning Star under the Texas Public Information Act, Esterly shared emails outlining discussions around Plan A. In these communications with Mayor Norma Sepulveda and City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez, Esterly expressed concerns about rising costs associated with maintaining current arrangements and compliance with FAA-mandated standards.

Plan B proposes an overhaul of the fire department's ARFF program to enhance compliance and transparency while addressing systemic failures in training oversight. It includes implementing best management practices recommended by the FAA and evaluating existing agreements for potential modifications or termination.

City Attorney Mark Sossi argued that privatizing firefighter positions might be legally barred by Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code. He emphasized that no consent had been given for privatization at Valley International Airport.

Evan Mann, president of the Harlingen Professional Firefighters Association, warned city commissioners about potential legal actions if they proceed with hiring a contractor like Pro-Tec. Mann claims that officials are overstating isolated FAA reports to discredit the fire department and justify terminating their agreement.

The FAA closed its investigation into reported discrepancies in training sessions last year without finding systemic issues within the entire ARFF program. Denson E. Stasher from FAA confirmed this conclusion in February 2024 after reviewing all available facts.

Erik Ramirez, vice president of the union representing firefighters said their ARFF program was found fully compliant during inspections while Mann highlighted perfect scores achieved over five years on annual FAA inspections by their team.

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