Local Honorees
The Hometown Heroes Award celebrates local first responders and their commitment and service to the Rio Grande Valley community. We are honored to recognize the following recipients of the Hometown Heroes Award:
February 2020
Paramedics Ignacio “Nacho” Hernandez and Ben Martinez (represented by Supervisor Diana Garza) from MedCare EMS
Ignacio Hernandez has 20 years of patient care service. He started in high school as a dispatcher, then moved on to EMT Basics and became a paramedic in 2000. Ignacio was nominated for his care and reassuring of a frightened patient. He went beyond the call of duty and stayed with the patient until they transferred rooms.
Ben Martinez was nominated for his support of STHS programs including participation with stroke, chest pain, and trauma surveys. He is an active member with the TRAC where he supports initiatives that help improve system of care.
January 2020
Paramedic Felix Saldivar III and EMT Rosbel “Red” Salinas from Palmview EMS and Fire
December 2019
Sgt. Gaston Balli and Officer Russell Parada of the McAllen Police Department