El Paso Community College Dedicates New Fire Equipment
The college unveiled a new fire pumper and modern classrooms at its Valle Verde Campus to support fire technology training.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Emergency Response
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El Paso Community College celebrated the expansion of its Fire Technology Program with the dedication of a new fire pumper and upgraded classrooms at the Valle Verde Campus. The event honored the vision of the late program coordinator, Richard Bahena.
Why it matters
The new equipment and facilities provide essential hands-on training for future firefighters, ensuring they are prepared for service. These upgrades fulfill a long-term goal of fostering high-quality education within the fire technology field.
The new fire pumper arrived from Colorado before undergoing a traditional wet-down ceremony, a practice dating back to the 1700s. Students marked the occasion by demonstrating skills in PPE use, hose management, and water drills.
The players
Richard Bahena
He was the former Fire Tech Program Coordinator who held a vision for the training facility.
Steven Cordova
He serves as the fire chief of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Fire Department and has collaborated with the program since 2017.
El Paso Community College
The institution hosts the Fire Technology Program at its Valle Verde Campus.
The details
The pumper was washed down and ceremonially backed into quarters at the campus. The new classrooms aim to provide students with the high-quality training necessary for their future careers in fire science.
Timeline
2014: Steven Cordova becomes fire chief of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Fire Department.
2017: Steven Cordova introduces firefighters to the program for certification.
2024: Fire Tech Program Coordinator Richard Bahena dies.
October 24, 2026: Dedication ceremony held at the Valle Verde Campus.
Seasonal Patterns
The ceremony followed the traditional wet-down custom, a practice dating back to the 1700s. This ritual remains a staple in modern fire department culture across the region.
The expanded facilities improve the training environment for local students aiming to join the fire service. Residents can expect better-prepared emergency personnel to serve the El Paso area in the coming years.
The takeaway
Ceremonial traditions like the wet-down ceremony serve to connect modern fire technology students to the long history of the firefighting profession. These events highlight the importance of investing in both physical equipment and vocational training for essential public safety roles.
Further reading
Learn more about local training initiatives at the El Paso Emergency Response section.
More information
Find additional details on the EPCC Fire Technology program information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
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