SUBJECT
title
Authorizing the City Manager to donate structural firefighting gear and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) from the Fire Department to the following Municipalities in the State of Queretaro, Mexico: Landa de Matamoros, Structural Firefighting Bunker gear (10 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets), Jalpan de Serra, Structural Firefighting bunker gear (10 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets), Pinal de Amoles, Structural Firefighting gear (10 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets), Arroyo Seco, Structural Firefighting gear (10 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets), Corregidora, Structural Firefighting gear (10 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets), Queretaro (Assigned for use of City of Querétaro, Querétaro, under the custody of the State Civil Protection Coordination of Querétaro, which belongs to the Executive Branch of the State of Querétaro), Structural Firefighting gear (33 sets), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (4 sets). Pursuant to the agreement between the City of Laredo and the State of Queretaro, Mexico. The equipment will be donated “as is,” and the City of Laredo shall assume no liability for its use following transfer. The equipment has been fully depreciated and holds minimal or no monetary value.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
Laredo Fire Department currently has an excess inventory of structural firefighting gear and SCBAs that are no longer compliant with state requirements. As part of compliance with Texas Commission on Fire Protection standards and adopted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, this equipment has been removed from active service.
While the equipment remains intact and structurally sound, it cannot be utilized by a regulated fire department for operational firefighting due to lifecycle and compliance limitations. Specifically:
• Structural firefighting ensembles have exceeded the 10-year service life or are no longer cost-effective to repair in accordance with NFPA standards.
• SCBA units have exceeded their 15-year service life and are no longer compliant with current certification requirements.
In April 2026, the City of Laredo and the State of Queretaro, Mexico Proteccion Civil, agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international collaboration and promote goodwill between the two entities. As part of this agreement, both parties committed to exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including public safety and emergency response.
In alignment with this commitment, the City of Laredo Fire Department has identified equipment for donation to different Municipalities in Queretaro, Mexico. The equipment has been fully depreciated, holds minimal or no monetary value.
The equipment will be donated “as is,” and the City of Laredo shall assume no liability for its use following transfer. This action further reinforces the City’s ongoing efforts to support regional cooperation and strengthen binational relationships.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this item. This action supports international goodwill, strengthens our regional partnerships, and allows the City to repurpose surplus equipment for the benefit of a neighboring community’s public safety efforts. Approval of this item will provide Queretaro with valuable resources at no cost to the City, while furthering Laredo’s role as a leader in fostering binational cooperation.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Donation will be accounted for in the General Fixed Assets