On August 22, Rosarito paid tribute to its firefighters with a series of ceremonies marking Mexico’s National Firefighter Day. The celebrations began at dawn, when members of the Civil Protection and Fire Department were serenaded with traditional mañanitas by a mariachi band. Later in the morning, they attended a religious service at Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima parish.

After mass, firefighters placed a floral offering at the municipal cemetery in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty, followed by another tribute at the beach for Captain Tejada and Polo.

Later in the day, firefighters gathered with their families at the Constitución neighborhood station, where they shared hamburgers and received economic support from the city government in the form of vouchers worth 1,000 pesos each, as recognition for their service to the community.

Joaquín Mercado, Director of Civil Protection and Firefighters, noted that while the department has a fully functional fleet—eight fire engines, a telescopic truck used for school demonstrations, a rescue unit, and an ambulance still awaiting full equipment—it continues to face staffing challenges.

“We are only 71 firefighters, though ideally we should have at least 90 in order to open another station,” Mercado said, adding that training through the Fire Academy remains a priority. He emphasized that the department is focusing on prevention efforts in coordination with local businesses and communities.