Retired Polk County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Mark Trexler received Polk County Fire Rescue’s (PCFR) first-ever Community Hero Award for his quick actions in getting help for an ambulance crew injured in a crash. Firefighter/Paramedic John Parris and Firefighter/EMT Eryn Orduna were transporting a patient when they were involved in a two-vehicle crash on Dec. 8, 2025.
Parris and Orduna were injured in the crash, and Parris was taken to a local hospital. The patient and the other vehicle’s driver were also taken to the hospital.
Trexler, who drove up on the scene, grabbed the ambulance’s radio and described the scene to dispatchers who immediately got help on the way. Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said Trexler’s quick, calm, and professional actions were vital in getting everyone involved in the crash the care they needed quickly…