Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado Honors Firefighters

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mayor Estefanía Mercado led the National Firefighter Day ceremony on Saturday, honoring the courage and commitment of the men and women of the Playa del Carmen Fire Department.

During the event, Mercado presented recognition awards and cash bonuses to firefighters with 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. She also announced the start of the retirement process for personnel meeting the legal requirements.

“When we talk about our firefighters, we are talking about the heroes of our city — men and women who chose a profession that demands courage, discipline, training and, above all, a huge heart. You are the guardians of the lives of all Playa del Carmen residents,” Mercado said.

Joined by Fire Chief Yivi Méndez, Civil Protection Secretary Darwin Covarrubias, and City Council Secretary Luis Herrera, Mercado praised the department’s commitment to public safety and community well-being.

“When there is a fire, an emergency, an accident, or a family that needs help, you don’t ask who they are, where they come from, or what time it is. You simply go. And something that has always struck me: while everyone else runs away from danger, you run toward it to protect us,” she said.

Mercado offered special recognition to Fire Chief Yivi Méndez for his leadership and years of service to the department.

“Today, I especially want to recognize those completing 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. It’s easy to say 20 or 25 years, but behind each one lie thousands of hours on duty, hundreds of emergencies, sacrifices, and very likely many lives that changed thanks to you,” she said.

The mayor also extended her appreciation to firefighters’ families, calling them a fundamental part of the fire department.

“They are also part of this institution. They are the ones who wait, who worry, and who hug you when you come home. Thank you for being the heroes of our city, and thank you for protecting what we value most: the lives of our people,” Mercado said.

Darwin Covarrubias, secretary of Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Firefighters, congratulated the honorees and said each year of service represents experience, commitment and a deep vocation for helping others.

“Being a firefighter means being there when a family faces an emergency, when a life is at risk, or when our community needs help,” Covarrubias said. He thanked the mayor for the administration’s support in improving working conditions, equipment and ongoing training for the department.

Years of Service Recognized

Awards went to:

• 25 years: Orlando Méndez López, Juan Alonso González Acosta, Ignacio González Córdova
• 20 years: Juan José de la Cruz Montejo Jiménez, Néstor Guadalupe Méndez Hernández, Gregoria Gil de los Santos
• 15 years: Carlos Alberto Méndez Jiménez
• 10 years: José Luis Domínguez Gil, Julio Enrique Cocom Gómez