Governor Abbott honors Texas law enforcement officers at annual CLEAT convention

McAllen, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott presented the prestigious Texas Officer of the Year Awards at the annual Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) convention. The event celebrated the unwavering service of officers who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of Texans.

Commending Dedication to Public Safety

During his speech, Governor Abbott emphasized the essential role law enforcement plays in maintaining the day-to-day security of communities across the state. “Public safety starts with our law enforcement,” said Governor Abbott. “You cannot go to work, you cannot go to school, you cannot go shopping, you cannot live in your community and feel safe without the support of law enforcement to ensure that safety. You don’t get thanked enough for your bravery, for your valor, and what you do for our state. I am grateful for you and your work to keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with you to achieve our joint mission, and that is to make Texas safer every single day.”

The Governor was joined by CLEAT President Scott Leeton, Executive Director Robert Leonard, Deputy Executive Director Jennifer Szimanski, along with other law enforcement leaders and the award recipients.

Governor Abbott used the occasion to highlight the significant achievements made during the 89th Legislative Session. He noted the passage of the toughest bail reform laws in state history, a move aimed at keeping dangerous criminals off Texas streets and supporting officers in their mission to protect the public.

Celebrating Texas’ Finest

This year’s Texas Officer of the Year Awards recognized 15 outstanding officers from departments across the state. These individuals were honored for their courage, commitment, and exemplary service in the line of duty:

• Jessica Caro, El Paso Police Department

• Jason Davis, La Marque Police Department

• Ilse Gerardo, Dallas Police Department

• Suracy Gonzalez, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

• Michael Gutierrez, McAllen Police Department

• Harvey Richard “Dick” Hill, Arlington Police Department

• Scott Leeton, Corpus Christi Police Department

• Hayden McAdams, Potter County Sheriff’s Office

• Ashton Moss, Vidor Police Department

• Michael Nelson, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department

• Daniel Pollard, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

• Jairo Sanchez, San Antonio Police Department

• Michael Stephenson, Vidor Police Department

• Frank Tapia, San Antonio Police Department

• Ben Wright, Fort Worth Police Department

The awards serve as a reminder of the often-unseen efforts officers make each day. Governor Abbott’s remarks and the honors bestowed reinforced the deep respect and gratitude the state holds for its law enforcement community.

As Texas continues to face challenges in public safety, events like these underscore the shared goal of building a safer and stronger state through the dedication of those in uniform.