MISSION (TEXAS) Oct. 10, 2024 - During Fire Prevention Week, Mission CISD is featuring City of Mission Fire Chief Adrian Garcia, a Mission High School alumnus whose journey in public service began in the halls of Mission CISD.
Reflecting on his experiences, Garcia shared, “I graduated from Mission High School and had amazing teachers like Mrs. Garcia, my Spanish teacher. The language skills I gained in her class would be invaluable. When I joined the fire department, I found myself communicating with patients who only spoke Spanish. Her teachings truly benefited me as an adult.”
Garcia also recalled how he found his way into the fire service, a path he had not originally considered.
“One day, the PA system announced that the Mission Volunteer Fire Department was recruiting,” Garcia said. “I called, signed up as a volunteer, and before I knew it, I had gear, training, and a passion for the fire service that I hadn’t anticipated. That’s how I fell into this career, and I’ve never looked back.”
Climbing the Ladder of Success
As he rose through the ranks from volunteer firefighter to Fire Chief, Garcia has continually recognized the role that Mission CISD educators and mentors played in shaping his path.
“Now, after 27 years, I can look back and see how beneficial it was to have teachers, family, and faculty guiding me,” Garcia said. “I thank God every day for putting those people in my life.”
In honor of Fire Prevention Week, Garcia encourages young people to be lifelong learners and to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
“I tell young men and women all the time – be a lifelong learner,” Garcia said. “You don’t have to be an honor student to go to college, you just have to be determined and willing to put in the work.”
Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Cris Valdez, commended Garcia's achievements.
"Chief Garcia’s journey embodies the spirit of Mission CISD,” Valdez said. “We are proud of his dedication to public service and the example he sets for our students. He is a reminder that our alumni continue to make positive impacts in the community.”
This Fire Prevention Week, Mission CISD invites the community to learn more about fire safety and the possible careers in fire science. To learn more about Mission CISD’s fire science academy, reach out to Mission CISD Career and Technical Director, Gerardo Gonzalez at 956-323-5508.
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