EDINBURG, Texas – The funeral arrangements for Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn M. Snider have now been set. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, from 4-8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 322 E. Kuhn, with the public viewing from 4-6 p.m. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. that evening.
The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m., also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 1701 E. Richardson. The burial will include full firefighter honors to pay tribute to Chief Snider’s many years of dedicated service to the department and community.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Chief Snider,” said Edinburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Ubaldo Perez. “He was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend who will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Perez said Chief Snider’s family and the Edinburg Fire Department would like to thank everyone who has offered their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Flowers may be sent to Ceballas-Diaz Funeral Home, 322 E. Kuhn in Edinburg, as a way to honor Chief Snider and express condolences to his loved ones.
Original story
EDINBURG, Texas – Tributes have poured in for legendary Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn M. Snider.
Snider died after a courageous battle against cancer. He was 58.
“Rest in peace, Fire Chief Shawn Snider. Your courage, leadership, and dedication to serving our community will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to your family, friends, fellow firefighters, and Edinburg FD staff during this difficult time. Thank you for your service, and may you rest easy knowing that you made a difference in our world. We love you Chief,” said the City of Edinburg, in a posting on social media.
Snider joined the Edinburg Fire Department in 1991 and became fire chief in 1999. He was a past president of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas and regional director of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association.
Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, Jr., held a prayer service for Snider at Edinburg City Hall on Tuesday.
“Last night, our beloved Fire Chief Shawn Snider gained his heavenly wings. Chief Snider’s dedication and commitment for bettering our City, his leadership and caring for our citizens will be greatly missed,” Garza said. “Our community is a much better place because of Chief Snider and we are forever grateful for his service to our community. I extend my deepest sympathy to Chief Snider’s family and I ask that everyone keep the Snider family in your prayers.”
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg said: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn Snider. Chief Snider was a dedicated member of our community who devoted his life to serving and protecting others. He was a true hero, always putting the safety and well-being of his community first.”
Canales said Snider will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“He was a kind and selfless individual who touched the lives of so many people in our community. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he saved and the impact he had on the Edinburg Fire Department and across our region. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chief Snider’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Chief. You will never be forgotten.”
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce posted biographical details about Chief Snider’s career. It said:
“Shawn Snider began his career in fire service in 1981 as a volunteer firefighter and paid mechanic with the AlamoFire Department, where he later earned a promotion to fire marshal; in 1991, he transferred to the Edinburg Fire Department to accept a position as assistant fire marshal; after excelling in his duties over the next several years, he was named the department ’s fire chief in 1999.
“Chief Snider has served as the City of Edinburg ’s emergency management coordinator throughout his tenure as fire chief, and from December 2011 to July 2012, he was also the acting city manager; in addition, he has benefited his community greatly as chair of the Hidalgo County Fire Chiefs Association, as the leader of Texas Task Force I Type 3 in the Rio Grande Valley, and as an instructor at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Municipal Fire School.
“Respected by his peers, Chief Snider was elected president of the State Firefighters ’ and Fire Marshals Association in 2009, and he went on to play an active role in promoting the association’s legislative agenda during that year; he has previously served as regional director and volunteer director for the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, and he has held other prominent leadership positions, such as training coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters ’ and Fire Marshals ’ Association and member of the State Firefighters ’ and Fire Marshals ’ Association Certification Board.
“Chief Snider is remembered for consistently prioritizing his responsibilities as a public servant and the needs of his firefighters above his own needs, and he has likewise impressed others with his deep devotion to his faith and family, which includes his wife, Edna Snider, and daughter, Sarah.
“Chief Shawn Snider will be remembered for always exemplifying the highest ideals of his profession and contribution to the safety and well-being of fellow citizens. Chief Snider’s outstanding efforts have earned him the lasting gratitude and admiration of all who know him.
“Chief Snider, we thank you for your service and for the difference you made for our community and country. May you rest in peace knowing that you were loved and respected by all who knew you. Your memory will always be cherished, and you will be greatly missed.”
In a statement, the Edinburg Chamber said: “Chief Snider was a remarkable leader whose courage, dedication, and selflessness were an inspiration to all those around him. His service to the community and commitment to public safety will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.”
When the Texas Fire Chiefs Association heard, over the weekend, that Chief Snider was seriously ill, it issued this message:
“Our South Texas Community is again asking all of you to please round up your prayer warriors to continue praying for our long time Edinburg Fire Chief and Hero Shawn Snider. Chief is a long-time, well-respected statewide leader and educator always willing to go the extra mile to support anyone in need. We have over 700 great friends of Chief who have shared our last prayer request with their friends which add up to a large Army of Prayer Warriors who are much appreciated by the Snider Family.”
Edinburg United Police Officers Association said: “The Edinburg community lost a truly dedicated and humble servant. It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Chief Shawn Snider. We send our prayers and sincerest condolences to the Snider Family and Edinburg Fire Department May you Rest in Peace Chief Shawn Snider you will be missed.”
Edinburg Housing Authority said: “Edinburg Housing Authority staff and Board of Commissioners sends our deepest condolences to the Snider family and to the Edinburg Fire Department. Rest in Peace Chief Snider. You will be missed but never forgotten.”
Edinburg Police Organization said: “Edinburg Fire Chief Snider served his community for many years and will always be remembered as the Chief who would show up to scenes and get right to work with his firemen.
Rest easy Eagle 1.”
Tributes have come in from across South Texas, not just Edinburg.
Weslaco Fire Department said: “Our hearts are saddened by the news of the passing of Chief Shawn Snider. He was an amazing chief and he touched many souls throughout his life. The Weslaco Fire Department sends our condolences and prayers to the family and to the Edinburg Fire Department. Rest in peace Chief. You will be missed.”
Falfurrias Fire Department said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Chief Shawn Snider. Chief Snider was very instrumental to the upcoming of our department. He touched so many souls and taught so many minds. He will be truly missed.”
Pharr Professional Firefighters Association said: “Our hearts go out to the the Edinburg Fire Department as they mourn the loss of Chief Shawn Snider. Please keep them and The Snider family in your thoughts and prayers.”
CASA Hidalgo County said: “On behalf of CASA of Hidalgo, we would like to express our deepest condolences after hearing about the loss of Fire Chief Shawn Snider. Chief Snider was a remarkable leader who devoted his life to serving our community. His courage, dedication, and commitment to his job were an inspiration to all of us. We will always remember his selflessness, bravery, and the impact he made on our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Thank you for your service, Chief Snider, and may you rest in peace knowing that your legacy will live on forever.”
Mission Fire Fighters Association said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Fire Chief Snider. He was a dedicated leader and a true hero who served his community with honor and distinction. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Edinburg Firefighters Association, family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Rest easy Chief.”
Zapata County Fire Department and Emergency Management said: “We would like to send our condolences to the Edinburg Fire Department in the passing of Chief Shawn Snider. We recently met with Chief Snider at a meeting he held at his department and he treated us like family. Our time there was very well spent and we will always remember him as being an excellent educator and a good leader. Chief Snider you will be missed. We would like to send our prayers to Chief Snider’s family, friends, and co-workers.”
Silver Ribbon Community Partners said: “Our hearts are saddened by the news of the passing of Chief Shawn Snider. He was an extraordinary civil servant, friend, husband, and father. On behalf of Silver Ribbon Community Partners, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his loving family and to the Edinburg Fire Department.”
Editor’s Note: We will add more tributes to Chief Snider as they come in.
