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San Antonio Police Chief William McManus recently announced the selection of San Antonio Police Officer Pedro Garcia as the 2009 Police Officer of the Year by PARADE and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He was honored at the IACP’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado. Within a twenty-minute span on September 8, 2008, Officer Garcia was involved in a shootout with a suspect, the rescue of an injured officer and the dodging of bullets himself.
Initially, officers had attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect on the south side of San Antonio when the suspect opened fire and other police officers were called to the scene.
Lying injured were Officers Brandy Roell and Lawrence Robarts. Officer Garcia and his partner arrived and heard Officer Roell inside the house yelling out for help.
Officer Garcia, without hesitation, bolted into the house with his gun drawn, was engaged in a gun battle, grabbed and threw Officer Roell over his shoulder then retreated to safety.
Officer Robarts, who was also shot several times, was rescued by other officers.
“This is a prestigious award and he is most deserving. His bravery and valor are exceptional as well as characteristic of his work ethic and I am proud of this acknowledgement,” says San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
“I am grateful for this honor and thank PARADE and IACP.
It was a team effort and my fellow officers and the San Antonio Police Department deserve this moment as well,” Officer Garcia humbly said. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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