Law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives every day to keep us safe, and they do it as an essential part of their job. But sometimes, the sacrifice they make on the job goes above and beyond, and such was the case for a Fort Worth police officer.
In a recent ceremony, Fort Worth Police Officer Matt Brazeal received a 2021 Star of Texas Award.
“The Star of Texas Award is aptly named because it honors those whose self-sacrifice serves as a shining example of the very best of the Lone Star State,” Gov. Greg Abbott said at the awards ceremony. “To these men and women and all law enforcement and first responders across our state, I cannot express the gratitude we have for all you do to keep our communities safe. You represent the very best of Texas, and we are grateful for the risks you take every single day to keep us safe.”
This award is presented to Texas peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and federal law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
In June of 2020, Brazeal was preparing to place stop sticks in the road when he was struck by a car. Other officers had tried to stop an SUV because of a traffic violation. During the pursuit, they learned that the SUV had been reported stolen.
Created in 2003, the Star of Texas Awards honor and commemorate individuals who paid a price for their commitments while performing their duties as peace officers, firefighters, and first responders. The same legislation also designated Sept. 11 of every year as Texas First Responders Day.