AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott hosted the 2018 Star of Texas Awards Tuesday, Sept. 11.
The award ceremony honored 44 different firefighters, peace officers and emergency first responders for demonstrating impressive valor and courage while protecting communities in Texas.
"It's a day that Americans will never forget,” Abbott said. “We will never forget the valor of the emergency first responders who rushed to the aide of their fellow Americans that day."
Two Central Texas peace officers who were killed in the line of duty were honored at the award ceremony: Kenneth Malcomb Copeland from the San Marcos Police Department and Charles M. Whites from the Round Rock Police Department.
KVUE spoke with Connie Whites, Charles' wife.
“Pretty much everything that has happened since his death has been to honor him,” said Connie. “That in itself is all consuming. It makes me proud of what he did.”
Charles was directing traffic in Round Rock on I-35 and Old Settlers Boulevard when he was hit by an accused drunk driver.
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Connie said it is an honor for her husband's life and hard work to be recognized on Sept. 11.
"It's what they do,” Connie said. “They do it seriously every single day.”
Three officers who were injured in the line of duty were also honored at the ceremony: Jesus Perez Balderamas from the Selma Police Department, Jay Elton Johnson from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Benjamin Gieselman from the Hays County Sheriff's Office.
“Our peace officers, firefighters, and first responders bravely serve our communities, but we must never forget that they are also members of our communities,” said Governor Abbott. “They are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones who go to work every day because they care deeply about those they serve ─ so much so that they are willing to put their own lives on the line to keep us safe. I thank all the brave men and women here today, and those who couldn’t be, for your courage and the sacrifices you make to serve Texans.”
"To stand between danger and the people you serve, that is the mark of true bravery only the finest possess," said Abbott.
The ceremony began at the Texas Capitol in Austin at 10:30 a.m. and ended with a performance by the Central Texas Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps.