San Benito Fire Department Assistant Operations Chief TJ Tijerina was recently promoted from lieutenant. (Courtesy photo)
By HEATHER C. COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
It’s been a longtime coming, but veteran firefighter TJ Tijerina, who was recently promoted to captain of the San Benito Fire Department and assistant operations chief, said “good things come to those who wait.”
“We have two new captains with the fire department,” announced Assistant City Manager Arturo Rodriguez. “TJ Tijerina is one and Romeo Mancias is the other one.”
Tijerina and Mancias’ promotions were effective September 3 and 9, respectively, added Rodriguez.
Operations Chief Raul Zuniga, who named Tijerina his assistant, said that the positions of captain had been available off and on since he first became operations chief in November 2011. He said, “We had a captain, then we didn’t. It was kind of up in the air.”
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Congrats TJ! Forget qualifications! All those years as the Z’s punching bag have finally paid off. What was that, OP CHIEF? Asst Chief Ramos was a puppet? Now you have one. By the way what are the qualifications for chief nowdays? Fire Science degree? ANY KIND OF COLLEGE HOURS? EXPERIENCE IN LEADERSHIP? None of the above folks, just the general ability to stay, roll over, and sit!
Wih budget increases in the Police Department and Fire Department the city is now able to reopen poistions. A new chapter the the Fire Departments ranks. Lead by example and keep them honest. They want to go for some tacos or pan dulce? Let them use thier own automobiles. Hey? Can the department have a mascot like a dalmation?
A fine example of hard work paying off keep up the good work
Wow, Congrats TJ. I remember you being an assistant for the Hounds back in the day (1977). Great to see your doing well.