Four Arlington Police Department police officers were honored by Governor Greg Abbott as they received the prestigious Star of Texas Award on Monday, September 11, 2017, in Austin. The Star of Texas Award honors Peace Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical First Responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
Lieutenant Michael Moses, Corporal Elise Bowden and Officers Edward Johnston and Jason Heisel received the award in a ceremony at the Texas House of Representatives Chamber.
In 2004, then Officer Moses, was preparing to exit his patrol car during a traffic stop when a suspected drunk driver slammed into the back of his vehicle. The car burst into flames but off-duty police officers from Grand Prairie and Fort Worth helped pull Officer Moses from the wreckage. He suffered second-degree burns to his body. Officer Moses returned to the department after recovering from his injuries and is now a lieutenant.
Corporal Bowden was severely injured when making a traffic stop in February 2017. The suspect, who had a felony warrant, refused to exit the vehicle and ran over Corporal Bowden while fleeing from the scene. Corporal Bowden suffered serious injuries but has returned to light duty with the department.
Officer Eddie Johnston was shot while helping serve a felony warrant for murder in April 2016. The suspect refused to exit the apartment and began firing from inside, striking Officer Johnston in the leg. He was treated for his injury and has since returned to full duty with the department.
In 2012, Officer Jason Heisel was in a vehicle pursuit with a drug suspect. Officer Heisel was following a patrol car, also in pursuit, on his motorcycle when the suspect car turned around at a dead end. As Officer Heisel made the turn towards the dead end, the suspect vehicle was driving straight towards him forcing Officer Heisel off the road. The crash resulted in a serious leg injury for Officer Heisel. He returned from his injuries and remains on duty with the APD Motors Unit.
Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson was in attendance with the officers today in Austin as they received their award.
"I am extremely proud of the heroic efforts and commitment to service that is exemplified by each of these officers who were injured in the line of duty," Johnson said.
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