2-27-2026 - Odessa Insider

OdessaInsider

EMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE MARCH 2026

Melinda Vasquez was recognized for 35 years of service during our Employee Banquet. For Other “Milestone Awards,” visit page 5.

AMessageFromCommunications

This monthly newsletter was created for the many hardworking individuals who guide the City of Odessa each and every day. If you’re reading a copy of this publication, it reflects the dedication you bring both individually and collectively to preparing for Odessa’s future and serving our residents and surrounding community.

Time and again, you go the extra mile because Odessa means that much to you. We are truly grateful for your care, commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to making Odessa a great place to live and work This latest edition highlights the meaningful impact you make across our city, including stories celebrating employees who bring decades of experience to their roles.

We know City of Odessa staff are often called to action at all hours, day and night, and you always step up to help While many of you humbly serve without seeking recognition, we believe your continued excellence deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. The work you do each day plays a vital role in both the City’s present and future, and we deeply appreciate the high standards you set in professionalism, ethics, and leadership

We hope you enjoy this month’s stories of success and achievement Be sure to read all the way to the end of the newsletter, where we had a little fun joining the ChatGPT cartoon trend. Take a look at the images created of our City Management team and City leaders!

Thank you again for all that you do We look forward to sharing more stories with you throughout the year.

MilestoneAwards HeadlineBanquet

The City of Odessa hosted its annual City Banquet to celebrate employees honored with Milestone Awards This cherished tradition recognizes team members who have dedicated 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and even 35 years of service to the City

Among those recognized were four exceptional employees from the Odessa Police Department: Melinda Vasquez, honored for an impressive 35 years of service; Gary Potter, recognized for 30 years; and Olga Carrillo and Leslie Goodson, each celebrated for 25 years with the department

Four additional City departments also proudly recognized employees who have reached at least 25 years of service. Those honorees include Sonia Murrillo (30 years, City Manager’s Office), Gary Owens (25 years, Building Inspection Division), Samuel Johnson (25 years, Utilities Department - Bob Derrington Water Reclamation Plant), and Marcus Brown (25 years, Odessa Fire Rescue).

These milestones represent decades of dedication, professionalism, and pride in public service The City of Odessa extends its sincere appreciation to all honorees for their lasting contributions and the meaningful impact they continue to make in our community.

MurilloCelebrates30 YearswiththeCity

Executive Assistant to the City Manager Sonia Murillo was unable to attend the City Banquet in January, but the City Manager’s Office made sure she was still celebrated. They surprised her with a cake to recognize her 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Odessa.

Those on hand for the special recognition included City Manager Aaron Smith, Deputy City Manager Tina Jauz, Assistant City Manager Jill Reed, and Chief of Staff Randi Pineda.

KeystoStability

For Sylvia Solis, receiving the keys to her newly reconstructed home from the City of Odessa’s Community Development Department was an incredible experience and a moment filled with gratitude, relief, and renewed hope.

“May God give more funds to the program so people can receive help like I did,” said Solis. “Working with Community Development was a blessing. When I least expected it, they called me”

Story continues on next page.

While the construction of a home typically takes between four to six months once everything is in place, the overall process can take one to two years as funding becomes available and cases move through eligibility and approval steps.

Solis’ message to others in the community is simple and heartfelt

“Don’t be scared,” she said. “Everyone is very kind and they hear you. They are people who know how to listen. Get close to the city and ask for help. There’s a lot of help that we are not aware of”

Councilman Eddie Mitchell was present to celebrate the special occasion and reflected on what homeownership means not just for Sylvia, but for the entire community.

“Not only does this person gain stability, but it shows the City is helping citizens in our community achieve that stability,” said Councilman Mitchell “It relaxes her a little bit knowing she owns her home and nobody can come get it. I live in this area, and her previous home needed to be replaced. One day, I’ll ride by here again and remember the City of Odessa helped her”

Behind the scenes, the Community Development team carefully works through each case. Elisa Solis, Housing Assistant with Community Development, has been with the division for just over a year and explained that every home is evaluated individually

“We inspect the house, and if there’s extensive damage plumbing issues or termite damage it’s often best to reconstruct the home,” she said. “Every case is different. It takes between four to six months to complete a home once construction begins”

For Sylvia, those months of construction marked the final step in a much longer journey: A new home, a fresh start, and a powerful reminder that help is available for those who are willing to reach out.

A M W O R K

E

T“The Red Cross plays a huge role in helping families take those first steps forward,” said Oscar Menchaca, Assistant Fire Chief for Odessa Fire Rescue.

Collaboration SavesTimeandLives

A new award from the American Red Cross is shining a spotlight on a behindthe-scenes partnership that is making a real difference for residents facing one of the worst days of their lives Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) and Public Safety Communications (9-1-1 Dispatch) were honored with the Ector County Collaboration Excellence Award, a recognition created specifically by the Red Cross to acknowledge exceptional coordination and communication “This isn’t something they normally give out,” said Oscar Menchaca, Assistant Fire Chief for Odessa Fire Rescue “They told us this level of communication and success isn’t being achieved in many other districts.”

The award recognizes a streamlined notification process developed jointly by OFR, Public Safety Communications (Dispatch 9-1-1), Ector County, and the American Red Cross. When firefighters arrive on scene and confirm a residential structure fire, a single request to dispatch now triggers notifications to all necessary third-party agencies, including the Red Cross, without tying up radio traffic or distracting responders from life-saving operations “We’re focused on the fire and the people involved,” Menchaca explained. “We don’t have the resources to handle recovery needs, and that’s where our community partners come in. The Red Cross plays a huge role in helping families take those first steps forward.”

OdessaFireRescue

Since July, the Red Cross has responded to more than 30 residential structure fires in the area, often arriving while emergency crews are still on scene. Feedback from residents has highlighted one consistent theme: surprise and gratitude at how quickly help arrived. That speed is largely thanks to dispatch.

“We don’t physically respond to the scene, so we’re often in the shadows,” said Letitia Chavez, Dispatch Training Coordinator for Public Safety Communications (9-1-1 Dispatch). “Receiving this kind of recognition means a great deal to our dispatchers. It shows that what they do truly matters, making those calls and staying on top of critical notifications.”

Both Menchaca and Chavez stress that the recognition belongs to the entire system: firefighters on scene, dispatchers coordinating resources, and community partners providing recovery services.

OdessaGoesTo Washington

The City of Odessa is working to secure funding to help build more affordable housing, a goal that took two Community Development Department employees to Washington, D.C.

In February, Program Assistant Tammy Duke and Housing Assistant Elisa Solis met with U.S. Representative August Pfluger, who represents Texas’ 11th Congressional District During their visit, they demonstrated how federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program continues to t ff d bl housing projects and home repairs for Odessa

“The experience of meeting the representative was amazing,” Solis said “We’re hoping for his support down the line because that’s what we asked for”

While in Washington, Duke and Solis also visited the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Duke said one of the highlights was receiving a private tour of the Capitol from one of Congressman Pfluger’s interns

“He was extremely knowledgeable,” Duke said

Kerrville’s deadly flooding first struck in July 2025, but what many may not realize is that recovery efforts continued well into January of this year. Months later, the impact of the disaster was still visible across the Texas Hill Country For the first time, we’re hearing from three Odessa Fire Rescue Lietuenants who answered the call for help at the beginning of this year. They include Cory Street, Rocky Adams, and Randen Haynes Each spent a couple of weeks deployed in January, assisting with ongoing recovery efforts in the flood-ravaged area For Lt Street, the mission carried a deeply personal connection. The area of the river he was assigned to search was less than three miles away from a place that holds a special place in his heart.

"MydaughterswerebaptizedthereinMay,”saidLt.Street. “Lessthantwomonthslater,thefloodhappened.Thespot thatIwassearchingontheriverwaslessthanthreemiles awayfromthat,soitmeantsomething.”

Lt Adams’ connection to Kerrville also runs deep He moved to the area in 1998 and spent about nine months serving alongside the Kerrville Fire Department. During the deployment, many of the faces he encountered were familiar former coworkers and longtime friends. Helping Kerrville recover wasn’t just a professional duty, it was a chance to give to those he still holds near and dear.

For Lt. Haynes, the deployment was rooted in service and solidarity It wasn’t just about responding to a disaster, but about standing with a community during one of its darkest chapters. Just as he does in Odessa, Haynes stepped in wherever he was needed, driven by a belief that serving others is more than a job, it’s a responsibility.

We are thankful to our first responders who continue to go above and beyond to help others. Their commitment to service doesn’t stop at city limits, and in moments of crisis, their willingness to answer the call makes all the difference. We extend our sincere thanks to Lt Cory Street, Lt Rocky Adams, and Lt Randen Haynes for representing Odessa Fire Rescue with compassion, dedication, and heart.

Odessa Fire Rescue members deployed to Kerrville between January 4 and February 1 included Lieutenant Rocky Adams, Lieutenant Jonathan Gallegos, Lieutenant Randen Haynes, Lieutenant Isai Huerta, Lieutenant Cory Street, Captain Austin Shaffer, Division Captain Austin Yocham, and Battalion Chief Bobby White

ActivitiesCommittee TakesCenterStage

The Activities Committee does so much for the City of Odessa, and was surprised with a moment of recognition, good social time, treats, and drinks by the Communications Department in February

The organization’s members are known for honoring the great work and dedication of City staff in a similar fashion. They plan celebrations for different City departments each month, and also organized the successful Employee Banquet in January.

The Activities Committee is made up of City employees from various departments, and is passionate about showing appreciation for the rest of the City Their recent recognition exemplified that their extra effort will also continue to be remembered.

“Being recognized by the Communications Department meant so much,” said Activities Committee member Bianca Porras “It was nice of them to recognize all our hard work and to take the time to make the Activities Committee feel special It was like having our own shoutout”

OdessaFire Rescue Launches Internship Program

“This internship is a good opportunity to generate interest and showcase all the different areas of the fire department,” said Assistant Fire Chief Oscar Menchaca. “When people think of the fire department, they usually think about firefighting, but they don’t always consider emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention, inspections, investigations, or emergency communications.”

The Odessa Fire Rescue has introduced a new high school internship program to provide students with hands-on experience in various career paths within the fire service According to Assistant Fire Chief Oscar Menchaca, the program aims to go beyond traditional firefighting perceptions and highlights the full range of Odessa Fire Rescue's operations.

The program currently includes four senior students from New Tech Odessa. The internship lasts five weeks, starting January 23 and ending on February 20 The first week covers orientation and fire administration, where students learn about the department’s structure, professionalism, confidentiality, and hiring processes After orientation, students rotate weekly through four core areas of the department: fire suppression, EMS, emergency communications (9-1-1 dispatch), fire inspection, prevention, and investigation

Each rotation occurs at a designated location Students visit Central Fire Station for suppression, Station 6 on Penbrook for EMS, Dispatch for emergency communications, and the Fire Marshal’s Office for prevention and investigation. Rather than shadowing the same personnel throughout the entire program, students work with different Odessa Fire Rescue staff based on shift and assignment, enabling them to see a variety of roles and work environments.

“Sometimes students don’t know what career options are out there unless they have a family member or personal connection to the fire service,” Menchaca said. “This program helps introduce them to possibilities they may not have considered and allows us to explore new, creative ways to recruit future employees”

At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion. Odessa Fire Rescue will also gather feedback from both the interns and department staff to identify opportunities for improvement as the program develops.

Odessa Fire Rescue plans to continue collaborating with local high schools and seeks ways to expand the internship program.

CelebratingDispatch: AMorningofAppreciation

The Odessa Public Safety Communications Center does a lot for both the City of Odessa and its citizens, and was recognized for its timely and alert responses during the Activities Committee’s planned recognition breakfast in February.

The dedicated Dispatch team handles telecommunication responsibilities by answering incoming 911 calls and sharing crucial information with local police, fire, and emergency services to best address any situation

The group steps up during emergency situations and is always finding ways to improve its daily service. Employees lean on their past experience and learn from different experiences and situations to continue to update their vast skill set.

Staff members were thankful for the recognition, breakfast tacos, and coffee during their short break before they returned to their important duties for the community

“We do appreciate it,” said Dispatcher Joyce Mudd “It’s nice to be recognized!”

CommittedtoCode Compliance

CaseClosed!

The Code Enforcement team reviewed and closed 26 cases submitted through the Team Odessa app this month. These efforts were made possible through strong collaboration among officers, who conduct monthly area sweeps to share experience and knowledge. This action results in more efficient inspections and faster case resolution.

“Some of the most challenging cases involve property owners who live outside of Odessa, or even outside of the state, which can delay communication and compliance,” said Andrew Nichols, Code Enforcement Officer

While most cases are addressed as they are received, the department prioritizes issues that have an immediate impact on public health and safety, such as active water runoff from a property or ongoing illegal dumping. The team takes pride in the work they do and the positive impact it has on the community, especially when residents share that same commitment

“One of the most rewarding aspects has been working with residents and property owners who care about their neighborhoods and want to help make Odessa a better place to live,” said Nichols

Maintaining properties and addressing code violations help make neighborhoods safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for residents. These efforts also support stable property values, giving homeowners confidence in their investment and pride in their community

StrengtheningSafety: OFRLaunchesDrone ResponseProgram

Next month, Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) will launch its new Drone as a First Responder program, an innovative tool designed to help crews respond more quickly and effectively during emergencies

“It gets eyes on the scene,” said Assistant Fire Chief Cody Ritchie.

Here’s how it works: when an emergency call comes in, a 9-1-1 dispatcher enters the address into the system, and a drone is immediately deployed to the location. Instead of waiting for first responders to arrive and assess the situation, crews will receive real-time aerial footage within minutes. It allows them to better understand what’s happening before they get there.

“It’sgoodforthewholecommunity,”said OFRChiefJasonCotton.“Wecanpreparefor structurefires,largevehicleormulti-vehicle accidents,searchandrescueoperations,and wildlandincidents.”

OFR will continue to use its manual drones when needed.

The new program is simply an addition to the department’s toolbox, helping with staffing efficiency and most importantly, saving lives

Another key benefit of the program is collaboration It strengthens the already strong partnership between Odessa Fire Rescue and the Odessa Police Department. The City’s Building Services and Information Technology departments are also playing a vital role in helping implement this unique and forward-thinking initiative

CityofOdessaBloodDrive:ALifelong CommitmenttoGivingBack

For Kathy Grywusiewicz, supporting the City of Odessa’s blood drives isn’t just part of her role as Wellness Coordinator in the Risk Department It’s a personal commitment she has carried for more than two decades

Grywusiewicz has been donating blood for 20 to 25 years, long before joining the City Her journey began at her local church, where she first stepped forward to give Since then, donating whole blood has become a consistent way for her to help others in need

Today, she continues to donate whole blood regularly, knowing the direct impact it has on saving lives

As the City’s local blood drive coordinator, Grywusiewicz now plays a key role in organizing and promoting three blood drives each year one early in the year, another in June, and a third in conjunction with the City’s annual health fair in the fall Through these efforts, she has seen firsthand how City employees go above and beyond to support the cause

“Our city employees are great at stepping up,” said Grywusiewicz. “You really are giving the gift of life. So, I really encourage people when we have these City blood drives to contact me, sign up through the website, and donate.”

Supporting Grywusiewicz's efforts is Team Lead with Vitalant Laney Escamilla, who has partnered with the City of Odessa on many of these drives over the years. With 18 years of experience, Escamilla helps oversee the donation process and ensures each drive runs smoothly. On average, about 20 donors participate in each City-hosted drive, and each one playing a crucial role in helping meet community blood needs.

While some people mayfeel hesitant or nervous, Escamilla emphasizes that much ofthatfear comes from the unknown.

“It’s not as scary as you think,” she says. “We take good care ofyou.”

Escamilla also highlights the very real need for donors, noting that blood donations are critical in emergency situations and for patients receiving ongoing medical care. In fact, the blood collected supports hospitals across roughly42 counties, with the greatest demand coming from facilities in the Odessa-Midland area.

g ServeOdessa

He has a heart for giving! Director of Building Services Scott Anderson has launched a new campaign to help raise money for City employees in need All donations will benefit the City’s Employee Charity Committee and support employees year-round So how does it work? An unforgettable mannequin named “Buddy” travels from department to department, spreading both smiles and support For a $20 donation, Buddy can be placed in an employee’s office or near a coworker’s desk. Adding to the heart behind the project, Scott personally pays for Buddy’s costumes out of his own pocket. With 36 years of service to the City of Odessa, Scott continues to make a lasting impact by leading with generosity and positivity.

SolidWasteWelcomesCity’sFuture

Peyton McCrary is one of the City of Odessa’s youngest employees at 17 years old, but he has already started contributing to the City’s future as a Solid Waste Department Container Maintenance Technician.

McCrary graduated high school early and started welding as a hobby three years ago, so he pursued an opportunity at the City and has fit in well since he began in December.

“I wanted to weld,” said McCrary. “I like welding. I saw there’s welding and other stuff that I’ve always done in the job description I felt like I could do that I gave it a try and I like it so far”

McCrary stays productive in his current role by making sure the City’s dumpsters are in the best possible shape by welding and fixing weathered areas of the structures, putting on lids, and providing timely repainting. He also works on other welding projects, including a recent guard for a telephone pole on the Solid Waste grounds

“I just try to put all my effort into everything I do,” said McCrary

Trending

We jumped in on the ChatGPT fun! Check out these pictures of our Mayor and Council Members along with City Management.

March

UpcomingMeetingsandEvents

3-1 Keep Odessa Beautiful Greatest American Cleanup Kickoff

3-2 Keep Odessa Beautiful Campus Rivalry Kickoff

3-5 Planning and Zoning Meeting

3-7 Neighborhood Bulk Drop-Off

3-10 Council Work Session/Meeting

3-14 Tree Planting at Floyd Gwin Park

3-17 Volleyball Competitive (9 weeks)

3-17 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

3-17 Community Development Block Grant Program Subrecipient Application Workshop

3-18 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

3-19 Odessa Development Corporation Meeting

3-19 Volleyball Recreational (9 weeks)

3-19 Planning and Zoning Meeting

3-19 Community Development Block Grant Program Subrecipient Application Workshop

3-20 Keep Odessa Beautiful Spring Community Cleanup

3-21 Animal Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic

3-24 Council Work Session/Meeting

3-24 Odessa Police Department Neighborhood Watch

3-25 Midland Odessa Urban Transit District

3-28 Bunny Hop 5K and Easter Egg Hunt

April

4-1 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

4-2 Planning and Zoning Meeting

4-3 City Offices and Animal Shelter Closed (Good Friday)

4-4 Keep Odessa Beautiful Facility and Animal Shelter Closed (Due to Good Friday/Easter holiday)

4-9 Odessa Development Corporation Meeting

4-11 Special Olympics Track and Field Competition (Law Enforcement Torch Run)

4-11 Odessa Fire Rescue’s Open House

4-11 Neighborhood Bulk Drop-Off

4-11 Basin Action Day

4-12 through 4-18 Public Safety

Communications Week

4-14 Council Work Session/Meeting

4-15 Zoning Board ofAdjustment Meeting

4-16 Planning and Zoning Meeting

4-16 Citizens GolfAdvisory Board Meeting 4-18 Arbor Day 5K

4-18 Odessa Police Department Police Athletic League - Registration Starts 4-21 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

4-22 Earth Day Celebration (Keep Odessa Beautiful) 4-25 Green-Up Day (Keep Odessa Beautiful and Parks and Recreation)

4-28 Council Work Session/Meeting

4-28 Odessa Police Department Neighborhood Watch

4-29 Dodgeball Starts (5 weeks)

4-29 Odessa Police Department Bustin for Badges Clay Shoot Day1

4-30 Odessa Police Department Bustin for Badges Clay Shoot Day 2

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