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Volunteers and heroes (Part2)


Martinez lauded for heroism during flood

Kimberly Rubio

Assistant editor

Whether he stays home to comfort an ill child or volunteers to be lowered from a helicopter into raging flood water to assist in rescue efforts, Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Juan Martinez has made one thing clear: he can be counted on during times of need.

For his heroic efforts during the Aug. 12, 2018, flooding in the Park Chalk Bluff area, Martinez was recognized as Fireman of the Year during the department’s annual banquet held Thursday. He was not present to accept the award due to his son being ill.

The event, which was held in memory of the late Dr. John Shudde, was staged at the Uvalde County Fairplex.

The 2018 rescue effort was sparked by an 11-inch deluge in northwest Uvalde County that sent the Nueces River on a 14-foot rise over a 3-4 hour time period. People were rescued from vehicle rooftops and trees, where they scrambled for refuge, as the rising flood waters swept some vehicles from land and downriver.

Firefighter Richard Williams, who announced Martinez as the fireman of the year, recalled the events of that day.

Williams said first responders were not able to utilize boats right away due to dangerous river conditions. However, Larry Holt, owner of Holt Helicopters, immediately deployed two helicopters to distribute life jackets until rescuers could arrive.

Williams said it was clear that someone would have to be lowered into the water to deliver the life jackets in one specific area.

“We try everything else before getting into the water, because once you get in the water you might need to be rescued,” William said, noting that despite the danger, Martinez, who is also a paramedic, volunteered.

“It was the first time he ever rode in a helicopter,” Williams said. “They lowered him down and he was able to help people get their life jackets on and care for one person who needed some care… this is the reason we made him fireman of the year.”

The department had Martinez on the phone for the announcement. “…It would have meant the world to me to be there,” Martinez said.

Special awards

For continuously offering services to the fire department Larry Holt and son Dusty Holt were named honorary firefighters.

The pair along with Larry’s wife, Kay, also received an appreciation award from the fire department. Because the family was in attendance, the department took the opportunity to pass along plaques awarded to the Holts by the Middle Rio Grande Council and Uvalde County Emergency Operations Center.

Each of the agencies sought to recognize the Holts for their services to the community in times of need. “Anytime we call them – and we have their number of speed dial – they answer. If they can fly, they’ll fly,” said firefighter Patrick Williams.

Uvalde Leader-News photographer Pete Luna was also lauded for excellence in journalism. The award was presented by fire chief Gene Ayala, who praised Luna for his professionalism.

Shudde

All though brief stories about encounters with the late Dr. John Shudde were shared by various members of the department throughout the night, guest speaker Dr. Harry O. Watkins also touched on his working relationship, and friendship with the beloved doctor.

“We spent many years together, many hours,” Watkins said, before recalling the first time Shudde invited him to his house for dinner.

“It was a wonderful thing to be welcomed with open arms by people who would later become my family.”

Watkins said Shudde was an incredible doctor who took special care of his patients. He also noted his involvement in civic clubs and various community organizations.

“Dr. Shudde served on the board of directors at the First State Bank, he was a member of the Rotary Club. He was in every organization in the world. I don’t think he ever spent a night at home, but somehow there got to be four kids,” Watkins said, laughing.

“He was the most compassionate person that I think I have ever known. One of the most serious things to show his compassion was his work with the hospice program. Years ago, we didn’t have a hospice program,” Watkins said, noting that Shudde was key in developing the program and later served as the department’s director.

“He would go see these patients once or twice a month… He took a lot of time visiting, consoling, helping relieve suffering from these patients. Patients need not only pain relief but emotional peace, and he was so good at giving that.

“Later on, somebody asked him to help get funds together for the Kate Marmion Regional Cancer Center. Finally, through his efforts, we have a radiation and cancer center,” Watkins said.

Watkins also noted Shudde’s involvement with church. “He wasn’t just a Christian on Sunday. He was a Christian every day of the week, every day of the year… I am really proud to call him my friend.”

Service awards

Firefighters who responded to the most calls in 2018 were Mac McLaughlin, first place; Gene Ayala, second place; and Mark Zamora, third place.

Sharon Fowler of the UVFD Ladies Auxiliary announced children of firefighters who are seniors at their respective high schools. Those students, who are eligible to apply for the organization’s scholarship award, are Brianna Cassin, daughter of Will Cassin, Jordan Ortiz, son of Mario Ortiz, and Riley Dalrymple, son of Bryson Dalrymple. Riley’s grandfather, Jimmy Dalrymple, and uncle Will Dalrymple, are also UVFD members.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell installed officers for 2019.

Officers are Gene Ayala, fire chief; Juan Zamora, first assistant chief; Todd Dorris, second assistant chief; Mario Rangel, third assistant chief; Will Cassin, board president; Justin Schmidt, vice president; Mario Rangel, secretary; Aaron Moore, treasurer; Chip King, publicity director; Paul Stephens, chaplain; Beco Diaz, fire marshal; and Mac McLaughlin, athletic director. Directors of the board are Neal Brewster, Juan Maldonado, Tom Brewer, Richard Williams and Mario Ortiz. Pension board members include Paul Stephens, Tom Brewer and Patrick Williams. Training officers are Nick Ayala, Gilbert Ayala and Juan Zamora. Nick Ayala Jr. is the 2019 mascot.

A video highlighting 2018 activity was also shown. The video was created by Uvalde Leader-News photographer Pete Luna.

Pete Luna|Leader-NewsIn this Leader-News file photo from the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department’s 2018 banquet, Juan Martinez and his son, Jaxson, give thanks for support for the Martinez family during Jaxson’s treatment for neuroblastoma.

Pete Luna|Leader-NewsIn this Leader-News file photo from the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department’s 2018 banquet, Juan Martinez and his son, Jaxson, give thanks for support for the Martinez family during Jaxson’s treatment for neuroblastoma.

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