Gov. Greg Abbott has put out the call for the Lone Star State to honor its bravest — the peace officers, firefighters, and first responders who've laid it all on the line. The governor announced nominations for the 2024 Star of Texas Awards are officially open, tipping his hat to those who've truly gone above and beyond.

The Star of Texas Awards aren't your run-of-the-mill gold stars; they're reserved for those who have faced some serious heat in their line of work, including those who've been injured or made the ultimate sacrifice. "These brave men and women answered a higher calling, putting their lives in danger to protect their communities and keep their fellow Texans safe," Abbott said, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.

Nomination forms are up for grabs on the Governor's Office website, but the clock's ticking — all entries need to be in by June 13, 2024. Those eligible for the award are heroes whose stories of valor occurred between September 1, 2003, and June 13. And it's not just for those in uniform; civilians who've stepped up to assist officials in peril are also in the running.

This year, Texas will tip its hat once again to the unsung heroes who've displayed exemplary courage. Abbott made it clear the state owes a debt of gratitude to those who have shouldered the burden for the safety of others, asserting, "Texas is forever grateful for these unsung heroes," as per the Office of the Texas Governor. Recognition for their sacrifices is due, and come June, a new cohort of the state's finest will be joining the storied legacy of the Star of Texas Awards.