Governor Greg Abbott recognized the contributions of peace officers, firefighters, and first responders at the 2025 Star Of Texas Awards in Austin. The annual ceremony took place on September 11, a date designated as Texas First Responders Day since 2003 through House Bill 1937. The legislation also established the Star Of Texas Awards to honor those who have shown dedication and bravery while performing their duties.
During his keynote address, Governor Abbott stated, “What you all do for the State of Texas is incomparable. It is rightful that we gather on this day of remembrance to recognize not only what happened on September 11, 2001, but also to recognize the ongoing ways in which our first responders stand up for our communities. This year, we honor 28 remarkable Texans who demonstrated incredible heroism in the line of duty. They are a shining example of the very best of the Lone Star State. May God bless you and watch over you, and may God forever bless the great state of Texas.”
Governor Abbott spoke about the importance of educating Americans about the events of September 11, 2001, and acknowledged those who lost their lives serving others that day. He highlighted the courage and commitment shown by first responders across Texas.
First Lady Cecilia Abbott joined Governor Abbott at the event along with several state officials: Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin; Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd; Senator Cesar Blanco; Senator Joan Huffman; Representative Andy Hopper; Representative Donna Howard; Representative Brent Money; Representative Angelia Orr; Representative David Spiller; and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1 Judge David Schenck.
This year’s award recipients included individuals from police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments, and constable’s offices across Texas. Among those honored were Morgan Layne Powell (Amarillo Police Department), Tanner Lucas Cilento (Austin Police Department), Gabriel Charles Fells (Beaumont Police Department), Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell (Beaumont Police Department), Jesus Vargas (Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office), John Alexander Hampton (Dallas Fire Department), Darron L. Burks (Dallas Police Department), Nathaniel Wayne Chapman (Dallas Police Department), Jamie Corey Loven Farmer (Dallas Police Department), Karissa Kayla Groman (Dallas Police Department), Kayla Rayuen Jones (Dallas Police Department), Brandon Dwayne Turner (Danbury Police Department), Abel G. Sanchez (Ector County Sheriff’s Office), Jason Daniel Bulman (Fort Worth Police Department), Billy Wayne Randolph (Fort Worth Police Department), Cooper Steven Dawson (Greenville Police Department), Armando Esqueda (Harris County Sheriff’s Office), Kevin D’Wayne Cordell (Hill County Constable’s Office), Lemuel Delray Bruce Jr. (Houston Fire Department), Edward G. Escamilla (Houston Fire Department), Marcelo Garcia III (Houston Fire Department), Johnathan J. Guzman (Houston Fire Department), Darren D. Jones (Houston Fire Department), Chris DeWayne Reger (Jack County Sheriff’s Office), Chelsey R. Rose (Pecos County Sheriff’s Office), Corey S. Rogers (San Antonio Police Department), Curtis L. Dees (Stephenville Police Department) and Todd N. Tipton (Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office).
Additional photos from the ceremony are expected to be made available.
The Star Of Texas Awards continue to recognize individuals who make significant sacrifices in service to their communities throughout the state.
