Our Mission is to bring forth the Service, Protection & Alliance of emergency services to our citizens. The Emergency Service District #2 will lead our local first responders in providing the highest levels of emergency planning, fire protection and hospital care services.
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HCESD #2
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HCESD #2
President's Message
President's Message
Greetings friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens,
As we continue along life’s path, we find ourselves enduring the relentless heat of the South Texas summer. These so-called “dog days” are not only uncomfortable—they can be dangerous, particularly for our elderly and disabled residents. I urge everyone to take precautions: stay hydrated, remain indoors as much as possible, and check in on your neighbors who may be more vulnerable during this time.
On a brighter note, I am pleased to share some encouraging news. The Trull Foundation has generously awarded us a $5,000 grant dedicated to enhancing emergency preparedness and response efforts for children in our rural communities. Our CEO, Mr. Tony Sandoval, will be developing a comprehensive budget to ensure these funds are utilized effectively and responsibly.
In addition, we have received promising indications that another grant—this one nearing $40,000—may soon be awarded to us by a separate agency. Should this come to fruition, it will mark a significant step forward in our mission to serve and uplift our communities.
We remain committed to progress, resilience, and service. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Wishing you all safety, good health, and a hopeful future.
Jason Pena
President, ESD No. 2
July 4, 2025
Greedings friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans,
As we gather today under the bright sky of freedom, with flags flying high and the spirit of unity in our hearts, we pause to celebrate a day that changed the course of history—the Fourth of July, our Independence Day.
On this day, 249 years ago, our forefathers stood firm in their belief that liberty and justice were not privileges for a few, but rights for all. With courage in their hearts and a vision for a better future, they declared our independence and paved the way for the freedoms we now enjoy. Their sacrifice was not easy. They faced uncertainty, hardship, and even death—but they never wavered in their commitment to the idea of a free and self-governing nation.
Today, we honor their legacy. We celebrate not just the fireworks and festivities, but the enduring values that built this country—freedom, equality, and the unyielding belief in the American spirit. These values have been defended time and time again by generations of brave men and women—soldiers, civil servants, and everyday citizens—who have kept the flame of liberty burning bright.
As we enjoy our barbecues, parades, and time with loved ones, let us not forget the cost of the freedom we sometimes take for granted. Let us teach our children the importance of standing up for what is right, of serving our communities, and of always remembering the price that was paid for our independence.
So on this day of celebration, let us also reflect with gratitude. Let us honor our past by living with purpose, with respect for one another, and with pride in our great nation.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July. May the stars and stripes always wave over a land of liberty, justice, and hope.
Happy Independence day and God bless the United States of America.
Jason Pena
President, ESD No. 2
July 4, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
First and foremost, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote on Proposition 1. Your participation in our democratic process means a great deal, and your voice is always valued. While I share in your disappointment that Proposition 1 did not pass, I want to take a moment to explain what this measure truly represented—and why it was so important to the future of our community.
We asked voters to consider approving a tax rate of up to 10 cents per $100 of property valuation. However, it’s important to clarify that our intent was never to increase the rate to the full 10 cents right away. Our plan was to raise it by just 5 cents—an increase of about $20.40 per year for a home valued at $100,000. For most, that’s less than the cost of one dinner out. Currently, our tax rate sits at just 2.96 cents per $100, which amounts to $29.60 per year on a
$100,000 home. This small increase we proposed would have helped us take a significant step forward in building a sustainable and independent emergency medical service for our district. Here’s why it matters: Right now, Hidalgo County is helping fund our ambulance service, but that support is temporary—tied to remaining ARPA funds from the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will run out within the next year, and the county has made it clear they are not obligated to
continue financial assistance.
We’ve already taken bold steps to prepare for the future, including the purchase of two ambulances and the beginning stages of equipping them. While we do have about $1.2 million in reserve, that amount will only cover operations for roughly one year. Without additional funding,
we face serious challenges in continuing to provide timely, life-saving emergency services. Please know this: We are not giving up. Our mission to serve the Delta Area remains strong. We will continue to explore every possible avenue to secure funding and protect the health and
safety of our community. Thank you again for your time, your voice, and your ongoing support. Together, we will find a
way forward.
With gratitude and blessings
Jason Pena Jr.
President, ESD No. 2
May 5, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you and your families had a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. This solemn holiday reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made by the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. May we always honor their legacy and hold their memory close to our hearts.
That said, I'd like to take a moment to address some recent concerns that have come to my attention regarding how our organization is being managed. It has been suggested that we lack transparency, that we're irresponsible with our spending, and that we operate without a budget.
Let me be clear: these claims are simply not true.
Transparency is one of our top priorities. We maintain a public website - www.hcesd2.us - where you can view our meeting agendas, minutes, and the annual budgets that we formally adopt each August. We welcome you to explore the information for yourself.
Regarding financial responsibility, we are proud to report that we have consistently received clean audits - formally known as unqualified opinions - from an independent auditing firm. These audits, available on our website, confirm that our financial practices meet professional standards and show no evidence of mismanagement.
We are committed to operating with integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the community we serve. I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out - we're here to serve you.
Thank you, and may you have a safe and blessed month.
Warm regards,
Jason Pena
June 5, 2025
Greedings friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans,
As we gather today under the bright sky of freedom, with flags flying high and the spirit of unity in our hearts, we pause to celebrate a day that changed the course of history—the Fourth of July, our Independence Day.
On this day, 249 years ago, our forefathers stood firm in their belief that liberty and justice were not privileges for a few, but rights for all. With courage in their hearts and a vision for a better future, they declared our independence and paved the way for the freedoms we now enjoy. Their sacrifice was not easy. They faced uncertainty, hardship, and even death—but they never wavered in their commitment to the idea of a free and self-governing nation.
Today, we honor their legacy. We celebrate not just the fireworks and festivities, but the enduring values that built this country—freedom, equality, and the unyielding belief in the American spirit. These values have been defended time and time again by generations of brave men and women—soldiers, civil servants, and everyday citizens—who have kept the flame of liberty burning bright.
As we enjoy our barbecues, parades, and time with loved ones, let us not forget the cost of the freedom we sometimes take for granted. Let us teach our children the importance of standing up for what is right, of serving our communities, and of always remembering the price that was paid for our independence.
So on this day of celebration, let us also reflect with gratitude. Let us honor our past by living with purpose, with respect for one another, and with pride in our great nation.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July. May the stars and stripes always wave over a land of liberty, justice, and hope.
Happy Independence day and God bless the United States of America.
Jason Pena
President, ESD No. 2
July 4, 2025
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