10/23/2025
Why Firefighters Are ‘FOR’ for Propositions A and B
By members of the Victoria Firefighters Association
When someone in Victoria calls 9-1-1, there’s no time to second-guess. Within seconds,
firefighters are out the door—leaving families, dinner tables, and sleep behind—to help a
neighbor in need. Those seconds can mean the difference between a controlled fire and a
tragedy, between a medical emergency and a life saved.
Every firefighter in Victoria takes that responsibility personally. We serve this city with
pride. And this election, we’re asking for your help to protect the standards that keep our
fire department strong.
On the November 4 ballot, voters will see Proposition A and Proposition B. A “FOR” vote on
both is a vote for fairness, professionalism, and long-term public safety. Here’s what these
measures mean for us and for the community:
• Proposition A (civil service) creates a fair system for hiring, promotion, and
discipline—based on qualifications and performance, not politics. Firefighters
dedicate years to mastering technical skills, earning certifications, and building
trust on the job. Civil Service ensures those efforts are recognized through clear,
merit-based advancement and consistent accountability.
• Proposition B (collective bargaining) allows firefighters and the City of Victoria to
negotiate together on key matters such as staffing levels, training standards, and
safety equipment. This is not about confrontation—it’s about collaboration. It gives
firefighters a voice in decisions that directly affect the quality of emergency
response and the safety of both citizens and first responders.
Proven Results Across Texas
Civil service and collective bargaining aren’t new ideas. They’ve been used for decades in
cities large and small — Corpus Christi, Round Rock, San Marcos, Temple, and many
others—to attract and retain high-quality firefighters while keeping operations efficient.
These systems provide a professional structure that works for both the city and the
community it serves.
And importantly, these measures will not raise taxes. They don’t create new spending or
positions — they simply set up fair, transparent processes for managing the ones we
already have.
Why It Matters for Victoria
Victoria is growing. With new neighborhoods, expanding highways, and increasing industry,
calls for emergency service continue to climb. Our firefighters respond to structure fires,
vehicle accidents, medical calls, hazardous-materials incidents, rescues, and more. Each
situation demands specialized training and modern equipment.
Civil service and collective bargaining help ensure that Victoria can recruit and retain the
best firefighters—those who make a long-term career here, build institutional knowledge,
and mentor the next generation. They also give firefighters a structured way to
communicate safety needs and efficiency improvements directly to city management.
Here are the benefits of civil service and collective bargaining:
• Professional standards: Keeps hiring and promotion based on merit and training.
• Fairness and accountability: Ensures equal treatment and due process for all
employees.
• Safety and readiness: Encourages collaboration on best practices for response
times, staffing, and equipment.
• Cost-effective problem solving: Provides a formal avenue for addressing disputes,
reducing the need for court action.
• Community trust: Reinforces public confidence that Victoria’s fire department
operates with integrity and transparency.
A Partnership for the Future
Firefighters don’t just protect the city—we’re part of it. We shop at the same stores, attend
the same schools, and cheer for the same teams. Our families count on this department
just like yours do. We want to see Victoria thrive, with a fire service that’s fully equipped,
well-trained, and ready for whatever comes next.
Passing Props A and B ensures that future. It strengthens the bond between the city and
the people sworn to protect it, laying the groundwork for a department that will serve
Victoria proudly for generations to come.
