Fellow Brother and Sisters,

If you have not seen or heard, one of our own,  Lt Rafael "Rafa" Rodriguez is battling cancer once again.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting or working with Lt. Rodriguez, let me introduce him to you.  Rafael Rodriguez has been serving the department and his community for over 18 years. Whether it be giving back to his community through volunteer work on his days off or helping train the newer firefighters for a successful career.  Rafa has always given what he can where and when he can, without hesitation.

When fellow FF Braulio Rodriguez discovered Rafa was batting cancer he felt it was time for all those who Rafa had helped along the way give a little back.  FF Rodriguez has known Rafa for over 10 years and met him at 24s when he was a swing FF.  After discovering Rafa was utilizing his sick leave and vacation to receive treatment and attend appointments, FF Rodriguez decided to start a GoFundMe account in December 2017 allowing friends and families from all over to help in anyway possible.  Through the GoFundMe they were able to raise $4,730 within 5 months to help offset the costs of treatment and medical bills.  

FF Sergio Gonzalez, like Braulio, met Rafa through the department. After FF Gonzalez graduated the academy, he was assigned to Rafa as his probationary firefighter. Throughout the year Rafael taught his rookie the ins and outs of the “job”. FF Gonzalez began a second GoFundMe account and feels it is just a small way to give back to his mentor and role model.

-“Lt. is a very humble and hardworking individual and is always willing to help those in need. Always gathering the duty crew for roll call every morning and telling us to always be careful and take ca

re of each other. He taught me what brotherhood is and all the traditions of the Fire Department. He also taught me the importance of always having discipline and always giving my all, 110% all the time. Lt Rafa has changed the way I view things both on and off the job.”   --  FF Sergio Gonzalez 

Rafa has helped numerous people within this community. He has made a big difference in our Department. By contributing, this would be our way of stepping up and helping him and his family in their time of need as he has done countless times for others in the past.

Station 24s is currently seeking volunteers to do time trades or shift trades for Lt. Rafael Rodriguez.  If your are available please contact 24s @ 915-593-2906.

Here is a link to KVIA who just interviewed him earlier today.

Thank you,

L51