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Awards

Officer of the Year - 2025 – 2026

Officer Juan Cruz

A smiling man in a police uniform poses for a portrait.

Past Honorees

2025 – Officer Liliana Garcia

2024 – Officer Joe Barrera

2023 – Officer John Lalonde

2022 - Officer Brandy Waterman

2021 - Officer Michael Spray​

 

 

2019 - Officer Damon Sonnier

​2018 - Officer George Lozano

2017 - Officer Manrique Portillo

2016 - Officer Moses Rodriguez

2015 - ​Officer Lonnie Smith II

2014 - Officer Joseph Scarafile

2013 - Officer Michael Lenting

2012 - Officer Mark Mills

2011 - Officer Larry Bogany

2010 - Officer Amber Murphy

2009 - Officer Bill McMahan

​2008 - Officer Jason Grice

​​2007 - Officer Michael Newton

​2006 - Officer Trae Morris  

​2005 - Officer Israel Torres

2004 - Sergeant Mario Saldivar

2003 - Officer Matthew Gray

2002 - Assistant Chief Tom Pierson

2001 - Officer David Garza

2000 - Officer Richard Bagwell

1999 - Officer Cory Scott

​1998 - Officer Arnold Magana

100 Club Officer of the Year

Officer Juan Cruz

In 2026, Officer Cruz was honored as the Officer of the Year by The 100 Club. This recognition was awarded for his relentless 30-hour investigation that successfully uncovered and neutralized a meticulously planned school shooting plot. His work led to the swift arrest of suspects and averted a major tragedy, potentially saving numerous lives. 

A group of men in suits pose for a photo in front of a backdrop with blue and white balloons.

 

Dr. Rod Paige School Safety Award

Officers S. Wilson &  L. Garcia were the inaugural recipients of the 2023–2024 Region 4 Dr. Rod Paige School Safety Award for their commendable assistance to a student in crisis. This recognition was presented during last night's school board meeting. Additionally, Chief McMahan, along with Sergeants Portillo, Sonnier, and Scarafile (not pictured), was also acknowledged with this award.

A diverse group of people, some in uniform, stand together holding a large award plaque.

2013 Everyday Heroes Award

In the fall of 2013, Pasadena ISD Police received a crisis hotline tip about a planned school shooting at a local elementary school. Using only a phone number and IP address, officers utilized the CLEAR® investigative platform to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect before any harm could occur.

For their swift and resourceful actions, which likely saved countless lives, the Pasadena ISD Police Department was awarded first place in the 2013 Everyday Heroes Awards by Thomson Reuters. 

Three police officers stand in front of a marked police SUV.

                                                                                                                                          Credit – Thomson Reuters