05/28/2026
The Port Isabel Rotary Club requested my nomination for a "Responder of the Year", although our department responds to almost 500 calls a year, Ms. Medrano`s actions on the August 9th call stood out as exceptional.
On August the 9th of 2025, the the Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department was toned out for a mutual aid fire response in the Bayview area of San Roman Rd. The department responded with more than adequate personnel, and with both Engines. The heat was barely bearable, and we were on scene from around noon until around 6 p.m. Please remember that we operate a VOLUNTEER fire department, we need your help to secure OUR community. Below is the nomination I submitted to the Port Isabel Rotary Club, I am so very proud of all of our responders.
Nomination Letter:
On August 9, 2025, at approximately 11:47 a.m., Laguna Vista units E-1 and E-2, along with F-1, responded to a fire involving approximately 20 acres of what appeared to be crane matting. Laguna Vista and Port Isabel Fire Department units were assigned to the northeast corner of the incident to establish and hold the perimeter, preventing further fire spread.
Engine 1 operated attack lines throughout the duration of the incident, while Engine 2 and Port Isabel units conducted water shuttle operations to maintain a continuous water supply. All units remained engaged in the same operational area for the entirety of the incident. Laguna Vista units concluded operations at approximately 1800 hours and returned to service upon being released by the Incident Commander.
Upon arrival, crews encountered extremely high fire intensity, with safe operating proximity limited to approximately 30 feet. Ambient temperatures reached 104°F, as recorded by F-1. Following assignment from the Incident Commander, crews immediately deployed 1¾-inch and 1-inch attack lines to contain and control the fire.
Ms. Nicole Medrano demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout the incident. She donned full personal protective equipment and actively participated in fire suppression efforts alongside her fellow firefighters. As the prolonged operation and extreme heat led to increasing cases of heat exhaustion among personnel, Ms. Medrano repeatedly declined rest periods, choosing instead to continue suppression efforts so that others could rotate through rehabilitation in the command vehicle.
Even after the fire was brought under control and operations transitioned to overhaul, Ms. Medrano maintained her work ethic and commitment. She continued to assist tirelessly with equipment breakdown, cleanup, and restoration, ensuring all apparatus were returned to full operational readiness before leaving the scene.
While the entire team performed admirably under challenging conditions, Ms. Medrano’s actions clearly exceeded expectations. Her dedication, resilience, and selflessness exemplify the highest standards of the Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department and reflect the core values we strive to uphold.
Thank you for your consideration of Ms. Medrano for this well-deserved recognition.
Respectfully,
Neil Waters
Public Safety Director
Town of Laguna Vista
