WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Gustavo Mora, a graduate of Polk State College’s Emergency Medical Technology Certificate program, has received recognition from U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin after being named Polk County Fire Rescue’s 2025 EMT of the Year.
Mora said the certificate from Franklin was the most significant recognition he has received, according to Polk State College.
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“Your dedication, professionalism and commitment to public safety reflect the highest standards of service,” the certificate reads. “Through your efforts, you have made a meaningful impact on the Polk County community.”
Polk State first highlighted Mora’s work in December after he was recognized by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners in October for life-saving efforts during a complicated childbirth.
According to the college, Mora led a team of emergency responders in delivering Krystal O’Connell’s baby, Dominick, after a prolapsed umbilical cord cut off the baby’s oxygen supply. After the delivery, Mora performed lifesaving CPR.
A 2024 EMT program graduate, Mora now works for Polk County Fire Rescue and is pursuing an associate degree in emergency medical services at Polk State. He hopes to become an administrator in the field eventually.
Mora worked as a firefighter and paramedic in his native Costa Rica for 15 years before moving to the United States in 2017 with his wife and two children.
To return to emergency medical services, he rebuilt his credentials in the U.S., becoming a citizen, earning his GED and enrolling at Polk State in 2022.
