The White Settlement Police Department (WSPD) recently received notable recognition from the Peace Officers Angels Foundation and the DFW Airport Police Department. In an event that underscores the commitment to service and community shared among Texas peace officers, WSPD's Chief Cook and Corporal Laura Gonzalez were presented with the 2024 Corporal Rick Barreda Award. This award commemorates DFW Police Officer Rick Barreda, who tragically ended his watch on February 14, 1997, and has since become a symbol of selfless dedication and sacrifice.
According to a social media post by the White Settlement Police Department, the prestigious distinction was awarded to recognize the outstanding service Chief Cook and his officers have consistently displayed, especially in efforts to help support officers who find themselves critically injured in the line of duty. The WSPD's engagement in fundraisers and various events is a testament to their solidarity with peers around the state who wear the badge.
The ceremony, marking its 11th annual convergence, took place this past weekend in Grapevine. This gathering brings together Texas law enforcement annually to not only remember lost heroes but to also acknowledge those who continue to advance the cause of peace and safety in their communities. It's a moment simplistically echoing the spirit of camaraderie and perseverance inherent in those who take up the calling of policing.
Chief Cook and Corporal Gonzalez were there to actively engage in the ceremony, not just to receive accolades but to further cement the bond that Texas peace officers share. It was a moment of pride for the WSPD and a clear marker of the department's dedication not only to their community but to the broader network of law enforcement officers throughout the state. Their commitment to not only protect but to also serve and support their brothers and sisters in arms, has resonated widely, evidently being an inspiration that can spark similar actions across jurisdictions.
