The Rio Grande City Commission meeting on March 19, 2025, highlighted several key updates from the police and fire departments, emphasizing community engagement and safety initiatives.
The police department announced its upcoming annual Color Run event scheduled for March 28 at Basilio Real Park, inviting community participation. Additionally, the department reported on successful DWI presentations conducted at local high schools, including La Ria High School and Rio High School, which aimed to educate students about the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The police academy is set to begin orientation on April 4, with the official start date on April 7. Currently, 26 to 27 participants are expected to join the program after some were dismissed due to psychological evaluations.
The fire department provided updates on recent training for new ATV equipment and ongoing fire hydrant maintenance, which is currently 40% complete. They also reported responding to several incidents, including a structure fire and grass fires, and reminded the community of a red flag warning in effect, urging residents to be cautious with outdoor activities that could spark fires. Furthermore, the department has submitted a grant application for $230,000 to acquire new radios and received approval for a ramp grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.
Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of local departments to enhance community safety and engagement through proactive initiatives and training.