El Paso Fire Fighters Local 51

7/4/26

This is an incredibly difficult time for the Huerta family, Odessa Fire Rescue, the City of Odessa family, and the entire Odessa community and beyond.

To provide the latest information and answer questions from the media and public, Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton and Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick will hold a press conference today at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Fire Station. The briefing will be livestreamed on the City’s page.

In addition, we have created a special online condolence page where community members can share messages of support, memories, and condolences.

URL: https://everloved.com/life-of/isai-huerta/

The El Paso Association of Firefighters- IAFF Local 51 stands with Odessa Fire Rescue and the Odessa Fire Fighters Association - Local 1665 and we are heartbroken over the loss of Brother Huerta.

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.

New project on the horizon…7/4/26

For months there have been a lot of questions about our next offering. Well ask no more! The El Paso Association of Firefighters - Local 51 proudly announces the next of our Local 51 EXCULSIVE bottles. We teamed up with Maker's Mark to bring you an awesome, hand-picked selection of their famous whisky with our signature spin on it. These bottles are only available through our exclusive partner, Sun City Spirits (7040 N. Mesa), or the Local 51 office. This amazing custom-made bourbon is being offered at $80/bottle. Only 246 were made and 15 were gone before they even hit the shelves! All proceeds of this sale will directly benefit the El Paso Association of Firefighters - Local 51 Benevolence Fund, which allows us to assist not only the firefighters, but the entire El Paso community. Don't miss it!

A great event from Precinct 5 and Judge Najera’s office!

Our brother LT Luis Monreal’s son Lucas is in a fight for his life. Late last week Lucas was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma. A terrifying diagnosis for Lucas, his family and their entire El Paso fire family. Even more devastating is the prognosis of the tumor being inoperable. They are determined to fight, but need your help. Please keep Lucas and the Monreal family in your prayers. Any assistance that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Attempting to diminish the power of the union is an attempt to steal worker’s rights.