At a ceremony in Austin, Texas, Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to first responders for their heroic actions and sacrifices in protecting their communities. The annual Star of Texas Awards, held yesterday, commemorated the service and valor of these individuals, with Governor Abbott emphasizing the profound role of first responders who "answer a higher calling" and willingly place themselves in harm's way for the safety of others. "To all the law enforcement officers, I cannot express enough the gratitude we have all you do to keep your fellow Texans and our communities safe, and for the risks you take every single day,” Abbott said in a statement obtained by the official Texas Governor's website.
The ceremony, attended by various dignitaries, including First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Sharon Keller, and other officials, honored 21 Texans. The honorees, hailed as heroes, included firefighters and peace officers, some of whom had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The Star of Texas Awards, established under House Bill 1937 in 2003, celebrates the unwavering commitment of first responders in performing their duties and September 11 has been designated as Texas First Responders Day in recognition of their contributions.
The list of 2024 recipients is diverse, representing different facets of first responder services across the state. Awardees include Arlington Fire Department's Firefighter Brady Weaver, Austin Independent School District's Sergeant Val Barnes, and many others from police departments and emergency services from around Texas. The narratives of valor and dedication these individuals represent are testament to the high stakes of public service and the fortitude required to meet its demands.
Among the recipients mentioned, notable names are Officer Matthew J. Thorpe from Arlington Police Department, Senior Deputy Hugo Rodriguez from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, and Trooper Lyndon Johnson from Texas Department of Public Safety. Full list of honorees, as well as details of their acts of valor, can be found on the official announcement.
