First responders, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Dive Team, were honored at Houston’s Rodeo for their dedication and sacrifices.

HOUSTON — First responders from across the region were honored Monday at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during the annual First Responders Day, recognizing the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel.

Among the groups recognized was the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, whose members were spotlighted during the rodeo’s grand entry — a rare public moment for a unit that typically works behind the scenes.

For one night, the divers traded their time in the water for a ride inside NRG Stadium as thousands of rodeo fans applauded their work.

Captain David Jasper, who leads the team, said their work often involves difficult recoveries that can take an emotional toll.

The team was deployed last year to assist in search and recovery operations following catastrophic flooding near Kerrville. Jasper said divers searched roughly 70 river miles, often in extreme heat and remote locations while carrying heavy equipment.

“It’s usually a thankless job,” Jasper said. “Nobody is doing this for accolades.”

Sgt. Ben Luce said the team’s focus is always the same — helping families find closure.

“I’m proud of the guys,” Luce said. “No complaints, just one goal: bring the families closure. I’m extremely proud of them.”

Event organizers said honoring first responders is an important tradition at the rodeo.

“They’re often doing recovery work, and they still choose to do it for our communities,” said Kimberly Lewis, chairman of the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee. “How do you say thank you for that?”

The ceremony also recognized firefighters, police officers and first responders across the region, while paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty.

Bagpipes played and bells rang inside the stadium to remember fallen heroes, as thousands paused to honor their sacrifice.

“Each and every one of those stories is unbelievably impactful,” said Andy Krieger, senior vice president of BP. “Continuing to serve and put themselves in harm’s way to protect us is truly inspirational.”

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