Eagle Pass Fire Department Honors Retiring Chief Manuel “Sonny” Mello and Hosts Promotions Ceremony

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Eagle Pass Fire Department celebrated the accomplishments, promotions and dedicated service of its personnel on Friday, August 28, while honoring and bidding farewell to retiring Fire Chief Manuel “Sonny” Mello III.

The ceremony was hosted by Assistant Fire Chief Rodolfo Cardona, who served as master of ceremonies, with assistance from Adriana Martinez and the Eagle Pass Fire Marshal’s Office.

Mello retired after 34 years of extraordinary service to the community, bringing to a close a distinguished career dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Eagle Pass and Maverick County residents.

During the celebration, Captain Jason Mares received the Fire Chief’s Award, while Lt. Julio Valdez was named Officer of the Year and Jesus Mendoza was recognized as Firefighter of the Year. Mendoza also received a Life Saving Award.
Lt. Maire Katherine Aranda received the Meritorious Conduct Award. Michael Morales was recognized for Distinguished Service, and Eleazar Cuevas received the Exceptional Duty Award.

Alfonso Garcia Zua-Zua and Pedro Abrego were presented with Stork Pins for assisting with the delivery of a baby.

Six newly pinned firefighters were also welcomed into the department: Arturo Pedroza, Anthony Hernandez, Brandon Martinez, Bruno Cruz, Dakota Kypuros and Rosemary Hernandez.

Mares was promoted to captain, while Zackery Kelly was promoted to lieutenant.

Educational Achievement recognition for becoming paramedics was presented to Andres Ramirez, Dariel Ortega, Gilbert Belmonte, Jeremiah Alaniz and Marco Lopez.

Engineer educational achievements were recognized for Adrian Davila, Alfonso Garcia Zua-Zua, Eduardo Alvarez, Jesus Bernal, Jesus Garcia, Marcos Kypuros, Michael Morales and Ricardo Sanchez.

Department officials congratulated every recipient for their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.

“The fire service is a journey, not a destination,” said Cardona. “Each new pin, each promotion and each award is not an ending. It is a beginning,” added Cardona.

The department pledged to continue growing, learning and supporting one another while serving the Eagle Pass community with honor and heart.

Fire Chief Manuel “Sonny” Mello was honored during the ceremony and received numerous well wishes on his new chapter in life of retirement. Mello stated that serving the past 34 years as a firefighter and Fire Chief for the City of Eagle Pass has been the highest privilege and honor in his life. Mello dedicated his firefighting career serving the community’s best interests and well-being.