Almost six months after Hurricane Harvey, there was an awards ceremony Thursday by the Houston Police Department recognizing the heroes who face danger every day on the streets and those who rose above in times of tragedy.
“When we talk about what you’ve accomplished, what this group continues to accomplish, (it) is second to none," Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said.
For many, it was the efforts they do every day in the line of duty, but for most, it was for what they did beyond that, how they stood up when our city sank.
“Having been here only 14 months, I just can’t tell you how proud I am to be your chief," Acevedo said.
From life-saving awards to humanitarian service, no good deed went unnoticed at the awards ceremony.
“You just go out there each and every day, and you’re making a difference," Acevedo said.
Among those making a difference were a team of officers who formed a human chain to rescue a man from swift water, a Red Cross nurse who was instrumental in providing care to hundreds of shelter victims, and a lake patrol unit who helped rescue a nursing home community in Kingwood, in all impacting the lives of 1,500 people.
The Houston Police Bomb Squad also received the Chief of Police Unit Citation after they bravely stepped up to diffuse the unstable situation at the Arkema chemical plant.
They are the faces of heroes who serve everyday but went above and beyond in the wake of a disaster.
Over 100 awards were given out, including 97 life-saving awards. Most of those were for efforts during Harvey.
Photo Credit: Houston Police