Edinburg PD promotes new sergeant, recognizes lifesaving officers
The Edinburg Police Department promoted a new sergeant Friday morning and highlighted lifesaving officers who rescued civilians in the line of duty.
Inside the Edinburg Auditorium, police officers, city officials, and community members gathered to celebrate the efforts of first responders during the Promotional and Lifesaving Awards Ceremony.
“We are gathered here to shine a light on the bravery, the dedication that our officers demonstrate each and every day,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, Jr.
Photo courtesy of the city of Edinburg.
Sergeant Jorge Moreno, born and raised in Edinburg, has served as a police officer for over a decade. His interest in criminal justice led him to seek a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Texas State University.
Moreno then joined the Harlingen Police Department in 2010 until transferring to Edinburg in 2016, where he spent half of his role as a field training officer to prepare incoming officers.
The sergeant joined Chief of Police Jaime Ayala and Assistant Chief Chad Dufner to be sworn into the oath of office and the oath of honor.
“On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust,” said Moreno. “I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community and the agency I serve,” Moreno said, right hand raised as he ended his oath of honor beside Dufner.
His wife and two sons pinned his uniform, a celebratory act that marked the start of his newfound leadership for the Edinburg PD.
“Sergeant,” Chief Ayala said to Moreno. “I want to encourage you to lean on your colleagues, lean on those who you grew up in the department with, at your previous department and here, and know that we support you.”
He continued.
“So keep them safe. I have all the confidence in the world in you and what you’ve demonstrated for us thus far.”
After the Promotion Ceremony, nine police officers received the Lifesavers Award for bravery and quick thinking during hazardous and life-threatening events: house fires, overdoses, unresponsive victims, and threatening injuries.
Two of these officers were Jose Ramos III and Joaquin Garcia, who responded to a house fire with a child trapped inside on March 6, 2024.
Officer Garcia and Ramos moved through the thick, black smoke that covered the home, their vision impaired. Despite their inability to see their surroundings and having difficulty breathing, the duo continued their search. Ramos then found 6-year-old Sergio Lopez hiding in a closet unharmed.
Lopez and his mother, Carolina Herrera, approached the stage to greet the two officers who changed their lives that day. Ramos, holding a stern expression during the ceremony, smiled as Lopez and Herrera walked up the stage.
“Thank you for saving me from the fire,” Lopez said as his mother held him to the podium. The 6-year-old embraced Ramos and Garcia tenderly before he and his mother walked off stage.
“We have the best officers in South Texas,” said Mayor Garza. “That is not just a statement. It is a truth that is evident from those who wear the badge with honor. Our officers are not just public servants; they are true heroes.”
He continued.
“To all our officers today: know that your courage does not go unnoticed.”
