Governor Greg Abbott today delivered the keynote address and presented awards to honor the service and sacrifice of peace officers, firefighters, and first responders at the 2026 Star Of Texas Awards in Austin.
“Today, on September 11, 2026, we remember those we lost and are inspired by the bravery and resilience that define what it means to be an American,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is eternally grateful to those who serve and protect our communities every single day. The men and women we have lost will live on through their brothers and sisters in uniform, friends and family, and Americans who are free today because of their sacrifice.”
During his remarks, the Governor acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and recognized the valor of the first responders who ran towards danger that day. Additionally, he shared the stories of Texans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our state and nation.
The Governor was joined at the ceremony by Supreme Court of Texas Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge David Schenck, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, and other local and state leaders.
Established in 2003 through House Bill 1937, the Star Of Texas Awards honors and commemorates individuals who made profound commitments while performing their duties as peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders.
The 2026 Star of Texas Award recipients are:
Juan Cruz Arizpe, Amarillo Fire Department
Alyssa M. Lopez, Austin County Sheriff’s Office
Heather Cavazos, Austin Police Department
Jessica Marie Jacob, Austin Police Department
Stephen Sakr Johnson, Austin Police Department
Adam Ross Reinhart, Austin Police Department
Jaxon Dean Walker, Austin Police Department
Aaron Randal Armstrong, Caldwell County Constable’s Office
Brent Harrison, Castro County Sheriff’s Office
Nikolas Robert Anderson, Cedar Park Police Department
Elijah Monroe Garretson, Copperas Cove Police Department
Luis Jose Pomales Jr., Dallas Police Department
Ashton Lawrence Rosebud, Dallas Police Department
Kenneth M. Lewis, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office
Caleb E. Halvorson, Fort Worth Fire Department
James B. Huddleston, Fort Worth Fire Department
Austin Erik Griswold, Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Benjamin Abbott, Houston Fire Department
Colbey Bailey, Houston Fire Department
Lemuel Delray Bruce Jr., Houston Fire Department
Paige E. Hennighan, Houston Fire Department
Iris Rodriguez, Houston Fire Department
Stephen Doyle Scott, Houston Fire Department
Joaquin J. Garza, Houston Police Department
Jonathan R. Gibson, Houston Police Department
Shawn Lee Wilson, Levelland Police Department
Andrew Lee Cavazos, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
Jorge Martinez, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
Michael Lee Hankins, MedStar
Rex T. Plant, Memphis Police Department
Rusty Lee Peace, Newark Fire Department
Corey Stefan Rogers, San Antonio Police Department
Tyler John Sauvage, San Antonio Police Department
Jacob Andrew Candanoza, Terrell Police Department
Jerry Wayne Adamick Jr., Texas Department of Public Safety
Dakota David Hughes, Texas Department of Public Safety
Alan M. Johnstone II, Texas Department of Public Safety
Austin Bryan Parrott, Texas Department of Public Safety
Damian Christian Rains, Texas Department of Public Safety
Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Texas Department of Public Safety
Derrick Martez Waters, Texas Department of Public Safety
James Clinton Black III, Texas Tech Police Department
Levi Israel Ridley, Texas Tech Police Department
K9 Andor, Waco Police Department
Additional photos of the ceremony will be provided here when available.