Star of Texas award ceremony: Photos via Twitter/DPD
The State of Texas recently presented the Star of Texas award to northeast Dallas police officer Joshua Burns who was wounded last February.
Refresher: Officer Burns was on duty and responding to a complaint at an apartment community near Richland College in the Lake Highlands area when he reportedly encountered Rakeem Perkins who allegedly shot Burns “multiple times.” Burns and fellow officer Salvador Varillas returned fire on Perkins before Burns was transported to Baylor hospital where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries. The suspect later turned himself in and was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant.
The Texas legislature created the Star of Texas award in 2003 to honor first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. Governor Rick Perry presented the award to Burns in a ceremony at the capitol on Sept. 3.
These awards are inspired by actions that occurred on September 11, 2001, Governor Perry explained at the ceremony. “It was a day that reminded us that true heroes are all around us, in our community … sometimes we don’t see them as they are because we live under their security, but when crises strikes … they step forward and make their presence known,” Perry said. “You have the gratitude and respect of the State of Texas.”
