Hometown Hero Award Finalists
This award honors a dedicated community member whose work protects, heals, and strengthens our community. Nominees may include first responders, medical professionals, elected officials, civil servants, journalists, and other community members serving Martin County. Through their commitment and compassion, they inspire others to care, act, and make a difference.
1. Jennifer Colton, EMS Captain with Martin County Fire Rescue
Jennifer Colton leads the emergency medical response system residents rely on in their most critical moments. In a county where Fire Rescue handles more than 31,000 calls each year across 528 square miles, her work supports the readiness, coordination and clinical standards behind lifesaving care delivered 24/7. Her impact is both direct and behind the scenes: protecting individual patients while helping ensure paramedics and EMTs are prepared to respond calmly and effectively when every second counts.
2. Ian Montgelas, Ocean Rescue Chief for Martin County Fire Rescue
Ian Montgelas leads the lifeguards who protect some of the county’s busiest beaches while helping strengthen drowning prevention, rescue readiness and public safety. His impact extends from frontline rescues—including helping resuscitate an unconscious swimmer at Jensen Beach—to coordinating multi-agency training for Ocean Rescue, Fire Rescue and EMS. He also regularly educates residents and visitors about rip currents, warning flags and water safety, helping prevent emergencies before they happen. Under his leadership, Martin County Ocean Rescue earned statewide recognition as 2023 Beach Patrol of the Year.
3. Samantha Suffich, Martin County Healthy Start Coalition
Samantha Suffich has become a leading force in protecting maternal and infant health across Martin County. When the county lost its only hospital-based labor-and-delivery unit in 2025, she helped turn that urgent gap into action, leading efforts to establish the nonprofit Treasure Coast Maternity Center while securing state funding and a county-approved site. At the same time, the coalition’s 38-foot MOM Mobile brings prenatal care directly into underserved neighborhoods, helping expectant mothers overcome barriers such as transportation and access. Her work is rebuilding critical health-care resources while ensuring families can receive compassionate maternity care close to home.
