Deputy Martha Vazquez was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in the Bronx. She lived with her parents who are now deceased. She grew up with three siblings, one of whom has since passed away. After graduating from Morris High School, she enrolled in the U.S. Military where she served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC - the women’s branch for the U.S. Army) for three years.

HCSO Deputy Martha Vazquez. (Submitted photo/Nicki Hunt)

She also spent several more years enlisted as an Active Reserve. The Reserve provides and maintains trained units and qualified persons to be available for active duty when needed, and can be called upon to serve either stateside or overseas. Deputy Vazquez stated, “All members of the Reserve must participate in training drills one weekend a month and two weeks per year.”

In 1991, she was deployed to Germany for five months to serve in Operation Desert Storm. During this time, she left her children in the care of her mother. Although this was a challenging time, she was proud to serve her country and was grateful for her mother’s help. In all, Deputy Vazquez spent 15 years serving in the military.

During her time in the Reserve, Deputy Vazquez worked full-time in a VA hospital in New York. She also enrolled in Hostos Community College, and received an Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Wanting to learn more, she set her sites on a new field, and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Lehman College in 1990. She played several sports in College, and was given an award for MVP in Softball. There was also an article written about her achievement, and it was mentioned in The Daily News Paper.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Deputy Vazquez continued to raise her kids, but eventually made the decision to move to Florida. Looking for a new and exciting career, she put herself through the Corrections Academy at the former Sanford College in Orlando, FL. She worked diligently and received her Corrections Officer Certification.

Deputy Vazquez began her career with the Department of Corrections in Moore Haven. She worked at this facility from 1995 until 2007 as a Corrections Officer first, and then worked her way up to Classifications Supervisor. When a position opened with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in 2007, she applied and received the job. She was hired on with the department as a Corrections Officer (CO).

Work as a CO is not for those who aren’t willing to be active, involved and able to hit the ground running. Deputy Vazquez’s days are spent transporting inmates between counties and the Department of Corrections, transporting inmates from the Hendry County Jail to court and handling the task of medical transports. She helps wherever she is needed in the jail, which leads to a lot of variety each day. Whenever Deputy Powell is not available, she fills in as a backup officer for Recreation duty. Having a wide array of duties and responsibilities keeps her busy and free from boredom.

One part of her job that she finds very satisfying is the fact that she often gets to interact with inmates and be a positive role model. Deputy Vazquez said, “I treat people the way I’d like to be treated”.

In 2015, Deputy Vazquez got married to Ramon Vazquez. He is employed at West Glades School as a bus driver and works in the district’s maintenance department. She has two siblings as well as three grown children (a son as well as a twin son and daughter) who have blessed her with four grandchildren. She also has several nieces and nephews. After her marriage, the Vazquez’s blended their families and she gained six stepchildren and seven step-grandchildren.

Deputy Vazquez is a movie buff, and especially enjoys watching Westerns. She loves traveling, having recently cruised abroad and enjoying many places in Europe. This trip was especially special to her because it was to celebrate the battle she had recently won against breast cancer. She is a proud survivor!

With a big smile, Deputy Vazquez stated “I enjoy working with my staff. HCSO has been really good to me, and I enjoy working for Captain Baystys and Lieutenant Reyes.”

It is no secret that she is passionate about her job, and cares deeply for the people she is surrounded by.