Three Brownsville firefighter-paramedics have returned home after spending several weeks in Central Texas. They were deployed as part of a statewide emergency response to assist communities devastated by severe flooding over the Fourth of July weekend.
Firefighter-paramedics Juan Cerrillo and Fidel Guerrero, along with Captain Aaron Lopes, were part of an emergency medical convoy sent to the Texas Hill Country, where torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of more than 130 people. Two individuals remain unaccounted for.
The Emergency Medical Task Force contacted the Brownsville Fire Department to assist in the disaster response effort. After consulting with Chief Jarrett Sheldon, Captain Lopes and his team were quickly deployed to aid in rescue and recovery operations.
“When we got there, the devastation was overwhelming,” said Cerrillo. “Ripped-up trees, vehicles that were destroyed, it was everywhere. We were tasked with supporting the search and rescue teams and providing medical care as needed.”
The Brownsville crew worked 12-hour shifts alongside other first responders from across Texas and beyond. Their primary responsibility was to monitor the health and safety of the search and rescue teams, many of whom were working long hours in intense heat.
Many of the paramedics focused on checking the vital signs of the search and rescue team members and ensuring they stayed hydrated. These were grueling conditions, especially for those not accustomed to Texas heat.
Guerrero described the experience as humbling and, at times, emotionally challenging. “Every time I finished my shift, I felt like I hadn’t done enough,” he said. “It was frustrating, but I understood that my role was critical in a different way.”
Captain Lopes praised the professionalism and adaptability of the team.
“The Brownsville Fire Department, the Valley, and the state all adjusted quickly and effectively,” he said. “We often didn’t know exactly what we’d be doing next, but we knew we had to do something. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s performance.”
The three firefighters have since returned to Brownsville, where they are back on duty. They carry with them not only the weight of what they witnessed but also a renewed sense of purpose in their service to the community.