BUILD LIFE-SAVING SKILLS THROUGH CPR TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
City of Odessa employees took part in CPR training in April It was offered through a partnership between the Risk Management team and Odessa Fire Rescue.
The training also responded to feedback from past City wellness events, where employees expressed interest in hands-on CPR instruction
The sessions focused on essential emergency skills involving adult CPR.
With nearly 1,000 employees across multiple departments and buildings, the training helped more staff feel prepared to step in and assist while waiting for first responders to arrive
As Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Management, Oscar Menchaca shared, “Any CPR is better than no CPR,” emphasizing that taking action can make a lifesaving difference
He also reminded employees, “Everybody wants to help. This is your how.”
Sessions gave staff the opportunity to review updated steps, practice compressions, and become more comfortable using lifesaving equipment. Participants experienced how physically demanding CPR can be, reinforcing the importance of practice One participant noted that performing compressions for two minutes straight “was harder than expected ”
For many, the training was valuable both professionally and personally Jamie Ramos, Training Administrative Assistant with Odessa Fire Rescue and a part-time dispatcher, said hearing emergency calls motivated her to stay current on CPR skills.
Assistant Chief Oscar Menchaca demonstrates CPR compression techniques during April training sessions
Assistant Chief Oscar Menchaca encouraged employees to build confidence in responding to emergencies through CPR training.
Ramos shared that reviewing the steps increased her confidence and helped her feel more prepared to respond in an emergency, including situations involving her own family
She encouraged others to participate, adding, “You never know when you could find yourself at a restaurant, the store, or a family member’s house where having that training could help someone ”
Lorina Trevino highlighted the importance of the training for employees who regularly interact with the public and attend community events. She said learning how to respond to choking emergencies and reviewing CPR steps helped her feel more prepared to assist in unexpected situations
“Any CPR is better than no CPR.”
Trevino also emphasized the need to stay current, noting, “Things change over time and it’s important to stay updated, so you know what to do in an emergency ”
Assistant Chief Menchaca explained that emergencies are a shared community responsibility
While Odessa Fire Rescue responds when needed, having trained employees across the City ensures someone nearby can begin lifesaving care before crews arrive. CPR training is recommended every two years to keep skills current, and participation in April’s sessions showed strong interest in continuing these efforts
City employees participate in CPR and AED training sessions offered through a partnership between Risk Management and Odessa Fire Rescue. They had the opportunity to practice compression timing and technique during hands-on exercises
Jamie Ramos and Lorina Trevino joined fellow City employees during the April CPR and AED training sessions led by Risk Management and Odessa Fire Rescue.
HENNESEY’S WORK ETHIC BOOSTS SOLID WASTE DIVISION
ranch near Waco, Chris Hennesey built a strong work ethic early on It’s something that still shows up in his day-to-day work as a Container Maintenance Technician for the Solid Waste team
He joined the City of Odessa in August of 2024 and handles numerous roles in his position.
Whether he's repairing, repainting, or rewelding damaged trash cans, adding new lids and City stickers, or getting containers back into circulation, he stays busy making sure Odessa residents have what they need
“It was difficult learning everything when I started, but it’s pretty much routine at this point,” Hennesey said
“That’s what I enjoy There are no big surprises.”
Hennesey didn’t originally plan to land in this role He came to Odessa to work in the oil fields but started looking for something more stable
up,” he said “I wanted to work for the City of Odessa because of the benefits and insurance packages, and I know the City’s not going anywhere, so I interviewed for it ”
It turned out to be a great fit not just for the job itself, but for the people
“Our crew, we all communicate and get along really well,” Hennesey said. “It’s the only time in my life where I’ve worked with a crew like that ”
He now works four 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, leaving him with long weekends to recharge and explore And he takes full advantage of that time
“My wife and I like traveling,” he said “We really enjoy going to national parks and state parks. I love seeing places and how different the terrain is.”
From ranch life to city service, Hennesey has found a steady rhythm and a team that makes the work worthwhile
Container Maintenance Technician Chris Hennesey’s approach to work sets up the Solid Waste Division for success.
The Development Department gathered for treats during the well-deserved recognition snack break hosted by the Activities Committee
LANDING SPOT: GARCIA FINDS HOME AT SOLID WASTE
Irma Garcia has served the City as a Solid Waste driver off and on since 2009. She previously left to work in the oil field, but she says she's finally here for good
“I like to be here,” said Garcia “I’ve been driving for so long I’m planning to retire here That's my goal ”
Garcia considers herself to be a people person, and recognizes the service aspect of both her job and the City’s Solid Waste Division. She works well with her colleagues to best serve the community and also goes out of her way to help individual residents as well
“I like the people that I work with,” said Garcia
When Garcia hears from local citizens, she does her best to contribute in any way she can
“When I’m working, customers come to me and they tell me about their containers,” said Garcia “Senior citizens ask me if I can move them closer or help them with their trash I like to do that for them ”
In her free time, Garcia enjoys spending time with her animals
