The Odessa Fire Rescue highlights its members in celebration of Black History Month.
>> OFR Fire Investigator Lorenzo Rivas III, 25, was born in and raised in Odessa. He and graduated from New Tech Odessa High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Management from the University of Texas at Arlington and recently graduated from the Odessa Police Academy last month. Rivas will continue his career with Odessa Fire Rescue. His father retired with 25 years of service with OFR.
>> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Jeff Thomas, 48, was born and raised in Odessa. He began his career as a firefighter in October 2000 with OFR and retired as a captain in October 2020 with 20 years of service. In January 2021, Thomas was rehired with the OFR with the fire marshal’s division as an inspector/fire investigator. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency service administration from Texas A&M San Antonio and a master’s degree in homeland security from Sul Ross University. He is married to Jackie Thomas and is the father to Juliana.
>> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Eugene Dominguez was born and raised in Odessa. Dominguez graduated from Odessa High School and Odessa College with a Bachelor’s in Business and an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He started his career with the fire department in October of 2013. Before the fire department, he worked as a police officer at UTPB for five years. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with family, friends, and his Chihuahua Curry. He also likes to bowl and goes to baseball, football, and hockey games.
>> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Nathan Sanchez was born and raised in Odessa and graduated from Angelo State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. He is engaged to his lovely Fiancée Samantha and they are expecting a beautiful baby girl in June. HIs favorite sports team: Texas Longhorns. He also enjoys hunting and working out. >> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Kenneth Fletcher received his Associate Degree in Fire Administration and Criminal Justice Leadership from Odessa College and is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Occupational Health and Safety at the same at Odessa College. When he’s not working, Fletcher is a member of the OFR Pipe and Drum Corps., where he plays the bass drum. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, bowling and playing hockey.
>> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Soleda Mendoza Hernandez favorite part of her job is the smile she sees on kids’ faces when her team shows up. She is married and the two have an English Bulldog named Whiskey and a new addition coming soon. She feels fortunate to do what she loves in the city she was born and raised in. She graduated from Odessa High School and UTPB with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. >> OFR Inspector/Fire Investigator Jonathan Moore grew up in Midland and graduated from Lee High School. Then, Moore attended Midland College and got an ssociates in Emergency Medical Technician. To be a fire investigator at OFR, they must also graduate from the Odessa Police Academy. He will be starting that soon, to be fully certified for the position. In Moore’s spare time, he enjoys working out, camping, spending time with his wife and two dogs.
>> OFR Asst. Fire Marshall Omar Galindo was born and raised right here in Odessa and has an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. When Galindo’s off the clock, he enjoys spending time with his family and has an adorable Maltese dog by the name of Fluffy.
>> OFR Fire Marshal Michelle Cervantes has spent more than 20 years in public service and shares the love of the profession with her husband OFR Assistant Fire Chief Joey White. The passion for what they do seems to run deep in their family. Her sister works in law enforcement, both her brothers-in-law are firefighters, and her mother-in-law is a retired Fire Marshal for Odessa Fire Rescue. She is honored to serve as our Fire Marshal and over sees 11 fire inspectors/fire investigators. The most rewarding part of her job is the growth she’s seen within her division and the willingness to support the community they serve and live in. She hopes to continue to make a positive impact within the community but most importantly, influence all women to follow their dreams, set their goals, and not limit their potential.
Cervantes is also the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to three adorable granddaughters. >> OFR Firefighter Devonte Hutchens firmly believes the gift of service is his purpose and that the fire service embodies his values. He wanted to become a part of something bigger than himself!
He says he wanted to be a role model for other African American boys. His motto: When you visualize, you’re able to materialize.
Along with his brothers at Odessa Fire Rescue, he hopes to be a positive example, not only as a fireman but as a man as well.
Devonte is married to Ashley Hutchens and they have a beautiful son named Knoah.
>> OFR Firefighter/Paramedic Jalen Davis motto: Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. -Vince Lombardi.
Outside of the fire department, Davis also has another very important job of training athletes. He’s married to Rebecca Davis and has three adorable children – Aubrey, Braxton, and Caleb. >> OFR Fire Capt. Gerald Fletcher has been with OFR for 18 1/2 years. Fletcher is married to Cindy Fletcher and has two kids, Meaghan and Derek.
His favorite quote: “The Supreme measure of a man is what he would risk his life for.” -George S. Patton.
>> OFR JT Cotton chose firefighting because he wanted to join a team of like-minded individuals to change lives by serving his community. He strongly believes in his ability to encourage others to dream big and be an example for other African American men. Being a part of Odessa Fire allows him to do that and much more. Cotton has had obstacles, but with the support of his family and friends, he was able to persevere. He hopes to remind others, that if you can believe it, you can achieve it. Cotton is married to Maya Cotton and they have a dog named Eden.
