After more than two years leading the McAllen Fire Department, McAllen Fire Chief James Schultz is stepping down.
The McAllen city commission accepted Schultz’s resignation during a meeting last week, thanking and praising him for his 30 years of service to the city.
“It is very difficult to lose somebody of your caliber, somebody who’s a leader,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are very proud with what you have done with our city.”
Addressing the commissioners, Schultz said he was choosing to retire to spend more time with his family. He tearfully thanked them for their love and support over the years.
“I could not have gone as long or as high in my career without their unconditional love and support and, for that, I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Schultz said.
The chief began his career with the city of McAllen 30 years ago as a cadet.
“The McAllen fire department motto is ‘Always on Hand’ and the department will continue to serve the public even long after I’m gone,” he said. “It was serving the public 70 years before I got there, I’m sure it can do it without me after I’m gone.”
The city appointed Schultz as chief in October 2020 after having previously served as assistant fire chief for eight years.
He replaced former Chief Rafael Balderas who retired earlier that year.
Schultz’s retirement comes just after the neighboring city of Mission also said goodbye to its fire chief.
Mission Fire Chief Gilbert Sanchez retired last month after 28 years of service. His retirement was effective Jan. 31 and on Monday, the city of Mission held a retirement ceremony in his honor.
Schultz’s last day with the McAllen fire department is Friday.
