Special awards were presented at the Odessa Firefighters Ball held on March 4.
Honorees are:
Jaylen Acosta was presented with the Paramedic of The Year award.
Acosta takes pride in the way that he performs his job as a Paramedic. He gives the best care to every patient that he treats no matter how basic or advanced the call.
Acosta is always continuing to grow his knowledge as a Paramedic by reading and learning new and updated information on today’s best practices. He is eager to be on the ambulance and makes the most of every call.
As he continues to gain more experience as a paramedic, he and the department will reap the rewards of having built such a solid foundation in this organization at such a young age.
Acosta has been with OFR for four years. He obtained his Paramedic in early 2021. Acosta is also a member of the Odessa Fire Honor Guard.
In addition to this award, Acosta has also received the 2022 “Hispanic Heritage Medical Professional of the Year Award” and a “City of Odessa Quality Service Award” as a rookie.
Odessa Fire Rescue Paramedic of The Year Award recognizes an exceptional Paramedic for their tireless work ethic and dedication. The award recipient is a Paramedic who displays an exemplary attitude and provides excellent patient care to all they interact with.
Lorenzo Rivas received the Fire Inspector of The Year award.
Here’s what was said about Rivas:
Rivas is an asset to the OFR organization. He is constantly trying to improve his knowledge on fire and building codes. Rivas is always willing to help others and never fails to complete an assignment.
Rivas is the son of Brenda and Lorenzo Rivas Jr. He was born and raised here in Odessa. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been with the department since May of 2020.
Rivas stated, “My current goal is to continue serving the community and department in a friendly and professional manner just like my father, who had a 25-year career with Odessa Fire Rescue.”
The Odessa Fire Inspector of The Year Award honors a fire inspector for individual achievement through enforcement of fire and life safety codes, proactive inspection programs and other innovative efforts that reduce the threat of fire in our community.
Marina Rodriguez received the Dispatcher of The Year award.
“I would not be where I am today if it was not for my family, both personal and professional,” Rodriguez said.
Here’s what was said about her:
“Marina is a fully trained dispatcher that often steps up to supervise when needed. Other employees often look up to her to seek guidance. Marina is awesome with her EMD protocols and has excellent customer service. Her passion for the job and her compassion for the citizens shines through with every interaction. She always has a great attitude and just goes with the flow.”
Rodriguez was born in Roswell, N.M. and is a mother of four children. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration in 2019. Rodriguez has been dispatching for almost three years and stated she loves every minute of it.
The Odessa Fire Rescue “Dispatcher of the Year Award” is given to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty. Often times the unseen hero, this award recognizes outstanding performance on the part of the dispatchers which serves to enhance the public safety communications profession.
Christopher Waite received the Medical Director’s Award.
Waite was born and raised in Odessa. He is a graduate of Permian High School and Odessa College.
He began his career with the City of Odessa, as a dispatcher in 2012. As he answered the emergency calls of the citizens of Odessa and Ector County and sent them help, he found himself wanting to help in a different way. He then made the decision to join Odessa Fire Rescue, as a cadet, in 2015.
On the lighter side, he was also part of the silver medal winning, OFR soccer team, at the 2022 Texas Firefighter Summer Games.
Jeff Thomas was honored with the Investigator of The Year Award.
Odessa Fire Rescue “Investigator of the Year Award” is given to an individual who has shown outstanding achievement using professional expertise in investigation techniques and arson control. These achievements support the overall mission of the Fire Marshals Division in education and prevention.
Thomas was born and raised in Odessa. He is married to Jackie Thomas, the assistant principal of Murry Fly Elementary and they have a seven-year-old daughter.
He has 22 years of service with Odessa Fire Rescue.
Engineer Nathan Tells was presented with the Firefighter of The Year award.
He serves as a great example of what a firefighter should be. Tells is always helping others on scene and is quick to give advice if it is needed. His knowledge and tactics are invaluable to everyone around.
“The Firefighter of the Year Award” is given to one individual who exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service and who has a notable record of service and achievements.
Tells graduated from Brownfield High School in 2003. After graduation he was involved in mission work which included trips to India and Kenya. Tells is a third-generation firefighter having been employed by OFR since 2013. Tells and his wife of 10 years, Brandee, have a 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.
Joel Ponce was presented with the Rookie of the Year award.
The Odessa Fire Rescue Rookie of the Year award identifies an individual newer to the department that demonstrates a strong work ethic, being dependable, and possessing a great attitude. This individual is highly motivated, eager to learn, and seeks out training and opportunities to grow with the organization.
Ponce was born and raised in Odessa, graduating from Odessa High School – ECISD class of 2003. He is married to his best friend, Julie, and together they have two children together, Nathan and Eliana.
