Abbott: 'Our first responders represent the very best of who we are'

Gov. Greg Abbott graced the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) where he and City of Houston officials honored law enforcement and first responders on Monday, per a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor.

Rodeo organizers designated the day First Responders Day, with its signature event being the First Responders of the Year Awards Ceremony.

Abbott, a Republican, expressed gratitude toward the honorees on behalf of the state.

"We thank you … for the sacrifices you make every single day, to keep Texans safe," the governor said, according to the release. "Some people are alive today, because of the people we recognize today. What some of these people have done, have restored trust and confidence in our law enforcement officers."

According to Houston FOX affiliate KRIV, 16 accolades were presented, with 15 having went to a peer-nominated individual from an agency and one bestowed on an organization that best demonstrated leadership and heroism.

"Our first responders represent the very best of who we are, going above and beyond the call of duty to serve their fellow Texans," Abbott said, the station reported. “We remember first responders who have lost their lives and honor those who have demonstrated extraordinary valor in the line of duty. Texans are forever grateful for our first responders and their loved ones, and the State of Texas will always support them in all that they do to keep our communities safe."

HLSR’s Armed Forces Appreciation Committee selected the winners, KRIV reported.

A staunch supporter of law enforcement, Abbott in his State of the State Address last month chastised Harris County, the state’s most populous county, for its purported increase in violent crimes since the start of the decade.

“Harris County’s revolving door bail practice is literally killing people,” he said, per his office. “In just two years, more than 100 people were murdered in Houston by criminals who were let out on multiple felony bonds.”

Abbott added that he’s making the elimination of “revolving door bail” an emergency item during the ongoing 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature.