El Paso Police Department honors compassion, valor at 2024 awards
More than two dozen awards were presented by El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas to EPPD police officers and civilians, who were honored for their efforts in helping others, at the department's annual awards ceremony for 2024 earlier this month. Here are the award highlights:
El Paso resident Ruben Montellano, who received a Chief's Award, was walking home from the Walmart Neighborhood Market store on Saul Kleinfeld Drive when he noticed a man at a bus stop who was visibly distraught, an award summary stated.
Instead of walking past, Montellano sat down and started a conversation with the stranger, who "confided that he had been kicked out of his home, hadn't eaten, and was contemplating stepping into traffic," the summary stated.
Crime: Man killed in shooting on Morehead Avenue in Central El Paso neighborhood
Montellano notified police, offered the man something to drink and stayed talking with him. Officers arrived to find Montellano seated next to the man, holding his shoulder in a gesture of support, the summary stated.
"Ruben's quick thinking, empathy, and willingness to help a stranger in crisis likely prevented a tragedy. His actions are a true reflection of community spirit and humanity," the award summary stated.
Officer Matthew Urquidi of the Special Traffic Investigations Unit was honored as the 2024 Officer of the Year. He was described as "tireless, thorough and deeply committed to justice" in an award summary.
Archives: Bravery, dedication: El Paso police honor officer, detective of the year for 2023
Urquidi displayed "exceptional drive, skill, and heart" when he kept digging, pouring everything into a fatal hit-and-run investigation leading to the arrest of a suspect and uncovering a human smuggling operation while also assisting in a separate intoxicated manslaughter case, the summary stated.
Detective Adrianne Zamora of the Crimes Against Persons Unit led several sexual assault investigations last year, showing compassion, determination and a relentless pursuit of justice, an award summary stated. She was named 2024 Detective of the Year.
Zamora was also recognized for always being willing to step in to help other detectives in difficult cases.
"She is a shining example of the strength, heart, and professionalism we strive for in this department," the summary stated.
The Medal of Valor was presented to Officer Ivan Valdez for his bravery in saving a woman who was being attacked by a man armed with a knife in 2023, an award summary stated.
Valdez responded to a call of a domestic disturbance in progress when he heard a woman in distress and looked through the window of a home to see the woman being threatened by a man with a knife, the summary stated.
"With no time to spare, Officer Valdez forced entry into the home. He found the woman injured and pleading for help as the man began to attack her. With no other option, Officer Valdez used lethal force to stop the threat and save her life," the summary stated.
The suspect, Juan Carlos Marquez, 49, died at a hospital after the police shooting, which occurred at an East Side home in the 2600 block of Schooner Drive on Sept. 11, 2023, according to El Paso Times archives.
The 2024 Supervisor of the Year award went to Sgt. Christina Mendoza of the Financial Crimes Unit for her dedication, initiative, community outreach and as an example to other officers, the awards summary stated.
Mendoza oversees three sections — Digital Forensics, Fugitive Operations and White-Collar Investigations — responsible for hundreds of investigations ranging from fraud to the capture of high-risk fugitives, the summary stated.
The EPPD Metro Unit, with its Downtown bicycle patrols and work maintaining order, addressing threats and dealing with large crowds of vulnerable people during the past migrant refugee influx, was named the 2024 Unit of the Year, an award summary stated.
The Metro Unit exemplified teamwork and was a reliable and visible presence at public events, protests and in calls for service as well as fighting criminal activity near shelters, community relations and clean-up efforts, the summary stated.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Police Department 2024 awards honor officers, residents
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