Gov. Greg Abbott honored a Dallas police officer and his K9 partner with the Star of Texas Award in Austin on Monday.
Dallas Police Senior Corporal Scott Jay and K9 Officer Figor were shot multiple times while on duty in April as they searched for a suspect in a wooded area near 2900 Cypress Avenue in Pleasant Grove.
“The Star of Texas Award goes to those whose self-sacrifice is a shining example of the very best of the Lone Star State,” Abbott said, per FOX 4 KDFW. “To serve as a first responder is to answer to a higher calling. It means putting yourself between danger and the people you serve.”
Officers Jay and Figor were among several members of law enforcement from across the state who were awarded by Abbott in Austin on Monday.
Jay’s body camera recorded the moments before the two were shot. Figor was shot by the gunman first, after which Jay was shot twice before subduing the suspect. Jay was shot once in his bulletproof vest and once in the leg, while Figor was shot in the chest.
They were chasing Brian Casillas, 20, who was suspected of shooting two people — his relatives, who had reportedly confronted him for playing his music too loudly, according to CBS News.
Despite being shot in the chest, Figor kept after Casillas, allowing Jay to return fire. Casillas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said Figor’s dedication saved Jay’s life.
“The work of this dog that night was nothing short of heroic,” Garcia said at the time. “He did everything he was trained to do, and exceeded all expectations of a K9 partner and as a member of the Dallas Police Department.”
Both Jay and Figor were back on the job just a few months later. Jay said that although he wished Figor had never been shot, he was grateful he and his dog were able to recover alongside each other.
“The dogs around the house are extremely special, but there is something about a working dog you go to work with and face some of the challenges we face,” Jay said.
“He’s turned out to be a remarkable dog,” he continued. “There’s a lot of good dogs in our unit, but I wouldn’t trade this one for anything.”
Jay said he felt supported by the Dallas community and thanked the people of the city for that support. He and Figor are currently training to get back to full capacity. The pair will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome as the Dallas police force has been up against a longstanding staffing shortage, with just 3,100 officers out of a recommended 4,000.
“’Good dog’ is an understatement,” Abbott said on social media. “I was honored to meet Dallas Police Senior Corporal Scott Jay & his K-9 Figor yesterday. Proud to present these heroes & 19 other Texas first responders with the Star of Texas Award for their bravery & selflessness.”