Katy ISD Police Officers Honored for Life-Saving Actions at Legacy Stadium
In a dramatic moment at Legacy Stadium, four Katy ISD police officers put their training to the test to save the life of a parent who had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the Southeastern Texas Championship event last month. Thanks to their quick and decisive actions, the man, Rene Leyva, is alive today and expected to make a full recovery after undergoing heart bypass surgery.
The incident occurred on November 16, as the event, which attracted thousands of spectators, was winding down. As band students and their families were packing up for the day, Leyva, a parent of a student in the Klein Collins High School band, suddenly collapsed. He had experienced a cardiac arrest, which is a serious medical emergency where the heart stops pumping blood to vital organs. Without immediate intervention, cardiac arrest is often fatal.
Fortunately, the timing and training of those on hand made all the difference. As Leyva collapsed, volunteer parent Jason Hedrick immediately began performing CPR. Officer Jason Ryan, who was stationed at the event, quickly arrived with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Working together, Hedrick and Officer Ryan used the AED to deliver shocks to Leyva's heart, successfully restarting his pulse. First responders from the Katy Fire Department arrived shortly after, providing additional care and transporting Leyva to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, where he received further treatment.
Reflecting on the officers' heroic actions, Leyva expressed his gratitude: “I’m grateful for their quick assistance in reviving me, and for everything they did. I cannot express enough gratitude to these gentlemen for what they did.”
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Jason Hedrick, the parent who assisted with CPR, also shared his thanks in a heartfelt email to the district: “On behalf of the Leyva family, myself, and our Klein Collins Band family, I would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to your officers for their actions.”
The timely intervention of Katy ISD police officers is a testament to their training and preparation for emergencies. In recognition of their bravery and quick thinking, Lt. Glenn Cloud, Sgt. Jeffrey Martinez, and Officers Matthew Graham and Jason Ryan were honored with the district’s Meritorious Service Award at the December 9 Katy ISD Board of Trustees meeting.
“This is what we train for – to keep our students, staff, and visitors safe,” said Katy ISD Police Chief Henry Gaw. “I could not be prouder of these officers for their service to Mr. Leyva and his family. They represent our very best.”
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of first aid training and having the right tools on hand in case of emergency. Thanks to the quick actions of the Katy ISD officers and the community members who stepped in, Leyva’s life was saved, and a family was spared a devastating loss this holiday season.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
