Texas: Atascocita officer receives Star of Texas award

On Monday September 12, 2016, Sergeant Jeremy Talbert with Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman's Office was honored with the "Star of Texas Award" presented to him by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The awards were given to peace officers and first responders were critically injured or killed in the line of duty.

In 2015, Talbert was outside of his patrol car conducting a traffic stop when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an impaired driver. He suffered from serious head trauma and was nearly killed. After a 9-month recovery, Talbert is back on duty and is the night shift supervisor in the Atascocita District.

Asst. Chief Ken Key and Lieutenant Jonathan Zitzmann made the trip to Austin with Talbert for him to receive the award from the Governor.

Abbott presented the Star of Texas Awards to first responders, peace officers and firefighters who have demonstrated remarkable courage and heroism in serving and protecting their communities throughout the state. The Star of Texas Awards were created by the Texas Legislature in 2003 to honor men and women who have been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

“Today, Texas honors the extraordinary few – those who have demonstrated the character and the courage to repeatedly put their lives on the line to serve and protect their communities,” said Abbott. “Today we recognize acts of uncommon valor – by first responders, firefighters and law enforcement officers – willing to put everything on the line to keep us safe. All of the men and women who protect and serve, and the families who stand by their sides, deserve our deepest respect. They represent the very best of Texas.”