Mexicali Firefighters Receive Bonuses Including Retirees on Firefighters Day

Firefighters in Mexicali were honored with a 6,000 pesos bonus on Firefighters Day, marking the first time retirees received this recognition, according to Mexicali city officials. The city’s fire department responds to around 8,000 emergency calls annually. Recently, calls have increased by 15 percent, driven by city growth and a rise in vehicle fires from 5-6 to 25-30 per month, said Ruben Dario Osuna, fire chief. Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante announced that 226 active firefighters, trusted personnel, and for the first time, retired firefighters, received bonuses of 6,000 pesos each.

"For Firefighters Day, everyone gets 6,000 pesos as a celebration; this year, it also includes trusted firefighters and, for the first time, retirees," said Bustamante.

The fire chief highlighted the need to expand the workforce by at least 150 firefighters due to increased demands. "We used to have 5-6 vehicle fires monthly; now, there are 25-30," said Osuna.

Claudia Lorenia Beltrán González, head of the city’s Official Major Office, explained that the bonus was previously limited to active base and trusted staff but has now been extended to retired firefighters by a formal agreement made during the Firefighters Day celebration on August 22. "This year, the economic incentive was expanded to include retirees, who had not received it before," said Beltrán González.

The fire department currently employs 228 personnel, including 67 trusted workers, supported by about 50 volunteer firefighters who respond without pay. Despite the staffing needs, new hires are on hold because of the city’s budget deficit, prompting the municipal government to maintain the bonus program and broaden its scope to retirees. During the event, firefighters received recognition and specialized equipment, and they also participated in training led by firefighters from San Bernardino to enhance the local team’s capabilities.