Sheriff, police and transit outline security and access plan for McAllen holiday parade

Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra and McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez told the City of McAllen’s preshow that multiple law-enforcement agencies and dozens of personnel will staff the 12th annual McAllen Holiday Parade.

"We got about 30, 35, 40 deputies here making sure we create a safe environment along with our local partners," Sheriff Eddie Guerra said, describing participation from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and local police departments.

Chief Victor Rodriguez said the public-safety plan was the product of months of planning and interagency briefings. "It takes lots of different agencies…we have on the ground with us anywhere from 12 to 14 different agencies here and literally hundreds of people that are here assisting us with the safety aspects of the event today," Rodriguez said, adding that a large briefing earlier in the day included several hundred people.

Transit director Mara Delgado described the Metro McAllen Polar Express shuttle as a free service intended to reduce parking demand and improve access. "We're operating the Polar Express Metro Shuttle. It's from noon to midnight…we bus them as close as possible to the event site," Delgado said, noting golf-carts and other last-mile transport will be available.

Officials urged patience around crews installing holiday decorations and reminded attendees to follow directions from on-scene personnel. The preshow did not report any safety incidents; officials said the emphasis is on planning and coordination with partner agencies.