Sylvia & Martin Martinez & grandson, Connor

Last summer the Victoria Advocate requested nominees’ for the crossroads top 5 first responders. I am extremely proud of our Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Everyone on the team has gone above and beyond the call of duty. But, with years of watching and working with one particular responder, I just had to send in a nomination for her as one of the Top Five. Even though she didn’t make the Top Five, she did receive an “Honorable Mention” in the magazine.

I would like to share my nomination letter sent to the Advocate on July 18, 2012.

Here’s to you Sylvia Ragusin Martinez ! Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.

07-18-2012, Jessica Rodrigo/GC Top 5, Victoria Advocate:

Dear Jessica:

I am writing to nominate a very hardworking, kind and caring first responder who is a member of the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department / EMS.

Port O’Connor is a small unincorporated fishing village on the Southern tip of Calhoun County. We are 25 miles from the nearest doctor’s office or hospital.

Therefore, a volunteer fire department /emergency medical service is vital to our area. We are blessed to have an outstanding volunteer department with many caring volunteers who are willing to serve their community. One of those fine people is always there to carry her load and then some.

I’ve always heard dynamite comes in small packages ,(my nominee stands about 5 ft. tall) but this sweet lady proves it time and time again. Sylvia Ragusin Martinez joined the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department/ EMS in 1988. Growing up in our remote area, Sylvia recognized a need and was determined to make a difference. Sylvia is married to a wonderful man, Martin Martinez . He too is an active volunteer for the Port O’Connor VFD & EMS. The couple works very well together and make a great team. They have four grown children and they have taught them the value of public service. All four serve as volunteers in the department as well. The entire family is a great example of real public service.

Sylvia currently serves as secretary/treasurer for the department. She is EMT certified. She works tirelessly to organize fund raisers to help raise money to support these most needed services. She has great organization skills and oversees every area of the department. Her strong leadership has made sure that all State requirements for the department are met and each active volunteer remains current with their State certification. She is always there when needed and is truly an asset to the volunteer department and the entire community.

One of the most amazing things about this Port O’Connor lady is her passionate interest and dedication to her job as first responder. She displays courage, compassion and determination when working with others. She willingly sacrifices her personal life to help her community. In spite of some serious chronic health issues, she enthusiastically continues her service to her community. Sylvia is very serious about being a volunteer and will answer every emergency call regardless of the time of day or night. It always amazes me how quickly she and her team arrive at the scene after being dispatched. The only time she considers herself not on call is when she is out of town, which is very seldom. Everyone in Port O’Connor appreciates her unlimited sacrifice and service.

It is an honor and with pleasure that I respectfully nominate this well deserving lady, Sylvia Ragusin Martinez as one of the Top 5 First Responders in the Crossroads area.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pomykal
Port O’Connor, Texas