Governor Abbott honors 2026 Texas Officer of the Year recipients at CLEAT convention

Who's involved

• Governor Greg AbbottSpeaker and honoree of officers
• CLEAT President Scott LeetonCLEAT President
• Deputy Rudy Aguilar2026 Officer of the Year recipient, El Paso County Sheriff's Office
• Captain Juan Alejandro Garcia2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Webb County Sheriff's Office
• Sergeant Bruce Anderson2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Fort Worth Police Department
• Detective John Armendariz2026 Officer of the Year recipient, El Paso Police Department
• Sergeant Jerry Brown2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Tarrant County Constable's Office
• Deputy Jose Calderon2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
• Officer Ryan Callesto2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Beaumont Police Department
• Corporal Manuel Escamilla2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Midland County Sheriff's Office
• Deputy Larry Kissam2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Harris County Sheriff's Office
• Detective/Senior Corporal Eduardo Lopez Villa2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Dallas Police Department
• Officer Noel Mercado2026 Officer of the Year recipient, San Antonio Police Department
• Officer Matthew Munselle2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Port Arthur Police Department
• Deputy Lee Nino2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Harris County Constable's Office
• Officer Matthew Santos2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Abilene Police Department
• Senior Officer Kyle Simmons2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Corpus Christi Police Department
• Officer Justin Torres2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Denton Police Department
• Detective Daisy Trevino2026 Officer of the Year recipient, Hays County Sheriff's Office

The facts

• Governor Abbott delivered remarks at the 50th Anniversary Convention of CLEAT.^{1 2 3 4} Stated by 4 sources
• Governor Abbott proclaimed October 2026 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Texas on Oct. 2.^{1 2 3 4} Stated by 4 sources
• Eighteen officers received 2026 Texas Officer of the Year awards.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Governor Abbott Texas is stronger because of law enforcement serving the state every day.^{1 2 3 4}
• Governor Abbott You have a Governor who has your back.^{1 2 3 4}
• Governor Abbott He signed laws to defund cities that defund the police.^{1 2 3 4}