By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez has presented 10 Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office deputies with awards for outstanding work above and beyond their regular duties.
Martinez presented the awards in a ceremony at the sheriff’s office Thursday afternoon.
Ceremony recognizes deputies, draws community leaders
VVSO Lt. James Sunderland Jr. welcomed attendees, including members of the deputies’ families, friends, other sheriff’s office staff members, law enforcement officers from other area agencies, members of District Attorney Suzanne West’s staff, County Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez and County Commissioner Pct. 3 Fernando Garcia.
Val Verde Sheriff’s Academy Cadet Class 2026 A led those attending the ceremony in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags before Del Rio singer Robert Wade performed a soaring rendition of the National Anthem.
VVSO Chief Gina Garcia introduced Martinez, who also welcomed attendees, then explained his office had over the years acknowledged deputies’ act of bravery or outstanding performance in face-to-face presentations. He noted former VVSO Chief Deputy Jose Ortiz wrote a formal recognition policy for the sheriff’s office prior to his leaving the agency at the end of last year.
“Instead of just congratulating them and putting a letter in their files, we thought we’d do a ceremony,” the sheriff said.
Meritorious conduct award honors March 3 response
Martinez first presented the VVSO Meritorious Conduct Award, which is given “for a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions where death or injury to a third party is prevented.”
VVSO Deputy Jesus Barragan and VVSO Lt. Julio De Hoyos received the VVSO Meritorious Conduct Award for actions they took on March 3 “to protect an elderly member of our community,” Martinez said.
The sheriff read from the commendation letter that will be placed in Barragan’s file:
“On the evening of March 3, 2026, while conducting routine patrol, your proactive vigilance allowed you to identify an elderly citizen in a state of distress and disorientation. Rather than treating this as a routine encounter, you took the initiative to conduct a thorough welfare check and quickly determined the individual suffered from a medical condition and had wandered a significant distance from her home. Your decisive actions, coordinating medical care and ensuring the woman’s primary caregiver was located, ensured the safety of a vulnerable member of our community. . . You likely prevented a tragic outcome.”
Conduct Award, given for “highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions where
death or injury to a third party is prevented,” for actions the deputy took on March 3 “to protect
an elderly member of our community who was lost.” De Hoyos also received the VVSO
Deescalation Award “for maintaining the presence of composure, alert talk-down and wit under extreme circumstances which prevented a threat to life” for actions he took on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Karen Gleason)
The sheriff presented De Hoyos with the VVSO Meritorious Service Award for his actions during the same March 3 incident.
Martinez said he was presenting awards to De Hoyos for two separate incidents:
“Your actions on these separate occasions represented the highest standards of the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office and served as a master class in supervising oversight. On March 3, you provided critical oversight during an incident involving a disoriented elderly citizen. . . Your composure and guidance ensured the scene was managed with the highest level of care, leading to the prompt arrival of medical services and the successful reunification of the individual with her family.”
Life-saving awards highlight critical emergency responses
Martinez presented the VVSO Life Saving Award to VVSO Deputy Jose Tovar for actions he took during an Oct. 11, 2025, incident “that directly contributed to saving the life of a citizen of our community.”
Martinez read a portion of Tovar’s commendation letter:
“During a high-stress dispatch regarding an attempted suicide. . . you demonstrated remarkable composure and professionalism. Upon discovering an unconscious victim in a life-threatening situation, you and then-Sgt. Julio De Hoyos acted immediately to provide life-saving triage. Even when the situation escalated into a violent physical struggle due to the victim’s acute mental health crisis, you remained focused on her safety. Your ability to utilize deescalation tactics and maintain calm control in a confined, hazardous environment, you ensured the victim received the medical care she so desperately needed.”
Martinez also presented the VVSO Life Saving Award to VVSO Deputy Ricardo Perez, VVSO Deputy Gerardo Torres and VVSO Lt. Jaime Guzman for their response to a March 6 incident.
Martinez began by reading a portion of the commendation letter to Perez:
“Arriving as a backup to a cardiac emergency on Guyler Lane, you immediately began a rescue effort, providing the necessary relief and support during grueling cycles of chest compression. Your arrival allowed the lifesaving measures to continue without interruption at a critical juncture. The seamless teamwork you displayed, continuing compressions while EMS worked to stabilize the victim, reflected your commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Val Verde County. . . Your actions on that day were instrumental in saving a human life.”
Martinez next read from the commendation letter for Torres:
“Upon arriving at a residence on Guyler Lane, you found an unresponsive male in cardiac arrest, and you acted without a moment’s hesitation. Your decisive movement to transition the victim to the floor and immediately begin chest compressions set the foundation for a successful rescue. Despite the physical exhaustion of performing high-intensity CPR in full duty gear in a cramped environment, you continued undeterred for more than 10 minutes. Your steadfast valor and technical proficiency directly resulted in the (victim’s) survival and eventual recovery. You represent the highest standards of the Val Verde Sheriff’s Office.”
“given for alert action in the saving of a life,” for actions he took on March 6, “that directly
contributed to the saving of the life of a citizen of our community.” (Photo by Karen Gleason)
Finally, Martinez read from the commendation letter for Guzman:
“Your rapid assessment of an unresponsive victim and the immediate initiative of life-saving measures demonstrated exemplary tactical leadership. The strength and determination you displayed while alternating chest compressions with Deputy Torres, even after EMS arrived, were vital. Your ability to fight through physical exhaustion and manage a high-stress scene ensured that a member of our community is alive today. Thank you for your selfless service and leading your team by example.”
Deescalation awards recognize communication under pressure
Martinez presented the VVSO Deescalation Award to Deputy Gerardo Meza, Deputy Miguel Ramirez and Lt. Julio De Hoyos “for maintaining the presence of composure, alert talk-down and wit under extreme circumstances which prevented a threat to life” for an incident on April 19, 2025, “that brought a dangerous situation to a safe end.”
The sheriff first read a portion of the letter issued to both Meza and Ramirez:
“In a high-pressure situation involving a subject who was deaf and unable to communicate verbally, you faced extreme challenges characterized by significant resistance. While initial force was necessary to secure the scene, your subsequent actions set a standard of excellence in modern policing. I want to specifically recognize your patience and integrity by choosing to rely on your training and specialized communication for the hard-of-hearing, you were able to calm a panicking individual, secure him safely despite his large stature and agitated state of mind, your commitment to resolving the situation peacefully rather than relying solely on physical force, speaks volumes about your character.”
Martinez also wrote of both Meza and Ramirez:
“Your actions during this shift reflect the highest values of the Val Verde Sheriff’s Office. Thank you for your meritorious service and for your dedication to the safety of our community.”
Conduct Award, given for “highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions where
death or injury to a third party is prevented,” for actions the deputy took on March 3 “to protect
an elderly member of our community who was lost.” De Hoyos also received the VVSO
Deescalation Award “for maintaining the presence of composure, alert talk-down and wit under extreme circumstances which prevented a threat to life” for actions he took on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Karen Gleason)
Martinez also presented the VVSO Deescalation Award to Lt. Julio De Hoyos for his work on the April 19, 2025, incident.
Reading from his letter of commendation to De Hoyos, the sheriff said:
“During this volatile encounter, involving a non-verbal subject, you navigated extreme communication barriers and significant resistance. While initial force was necessary to secure the scene, your leadership as patrol sergeant (at the time) was exemplary. By maintaining strict discipline and fostering a calm environment, you ensured that successful communication finally occurred, resulting in a safe outcome. In law enforcement, our success is measured by our ability to protect the vulnerable. Your people-first approach to leadership, combined with your ability to maintain remarkable composure in a hazardous environment provides a vital example for your subordinates. Your dedication to the protection of life and your leadership. . . strengthen the trust the community places in us.”
accomplishment,” for actions she took “that reflect honorably on herself and the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office.” (Photo by Karen Gleason)
Honorable service awards recognize investigative work
Martinez presented the VVSO Honorable Service Award for “creditable acts in the line of duty, showing initiative and accomplishment,” to VVSO Sgt. Marisi Siller and VVSO Chief Deputy Gina Garcia for their work on a case in the VVSO’s criminal investigations division.
Martinez read a portion of his letter of commendation to Siller:
“Your work on a major case reflects the highest standard of investigative excellence, professionalism and dedication to justice. Major cases require more than routine police work. They require persistence, attention to detail, strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex, evolving circumstances. They test a deputy’s patience, resolve and commitment to seeing a case through, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way. In this instance, you demonstrated exceptional investigative skill and unwavering determination throughout the course of a significant case that required follow-up, coordination and critical decision-making. Through meticulous casework, evidence collection and effective collaboration with fellow deputies and partner agencies, you played a pivotal role in allowing the investigation and achieving a successful resolution.
“The team’s ability to analyze information, develop leads and maintain focus directly contributed to holding those responsible accountable. This level of dedication not only strengthens the integrity of our criminal justice process, but also reinforces public trust in our agency’s commitment to protecting the community,” Martinez read.
Martinez, in his letter of commendation to Garcia, praised the chief deputy’s “exemplary work and dedication to justice,” noting:
“(This is) specifically regarding your instrumental role in the investigation and successful prosecution in the State of Texas vs. Hector Ernesto Musquiz. The district attorney’s office has formally recognized your contributions, noting that your performance, both during the initial investigation and throughout the jury trial, was of significant value to the pursuit of justice. Your skillful interviewing techniques were particularly vital, by exposing the lies and manipulations of the defendant through precise questioning, which provided the prosecution with the foundation of evidence that was critical to the case.
“Furthermore, I want to recognize your meticulous preparation, your thorough review of hundreds of text messages, which allowed you to highlight contradictions to the defendant’s statements with ease. Your willingness to go above and beyond, reading these (text) messages into the court record for the jury, demonstrated the highest level of commitment and professionalism we strive for at the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office. Due in large parts to your efforts, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on counts of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and indecency with a child by sexual contact. The resulting life sentence ensured a dangerous individual is no longer a threat to our community,” Martinez said.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
