Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Honored
By Tom Jackson, Former Texas SAR President
On March 21, 2023, Lieutenant Jason Horger with the Texas Department of Public Safety was honored with the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Honor at the monthly chamber luncheon held at the Berry Center. Chamber member and CFISD Trustee Tom Jackson made the presentation on behalf of the Chamber. Lieutenant Horger received his award with his wife, Captain Brian Barina, and Lieutenant Craig Cummings in attendance. Assisting with the recognition was County Commissioner Pct 3 Tom Ramsey.
The table sponsor was Harris County Department of Education. The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is a public entity dedicated to helping meet the needs of uniquely challenged learners and school staff in the state's largest county through innovative programming and support services. HCDE's goal is to impact education by responding to the evolving needs of Harris County. Representing HCED were Stephanie de los Santos and Janet Wachs.
In his capacity as Former Texas SAR President, Tom Jackson also presented Lt. Jason Horger with the National Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Law Enforcement Medal and Certificate, which is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The commendation, read by Captain Barina, contained in part the following description:
"Lieutenant Jason Horger is a Tactical Flight Officer in the Aircraft Operation Division for the Texas Department of Public Safety. In his role, Jason manages all the police and critical mission equipment in both the fixed wing aircraft and helicopters we operate while supporting and providing tactical insight and often lifesaving information to officers on the ground during chaotic or stressful calls. His knowledge, skills, and airborne law enforcement experience has changed the outcome on many calls of ground officers not being severely injured or killed. Last year, he flew 321 flight hours in DPS Aircraft supporting many local violent crime initiatives in the Houston area as well as statewide border operations. Jason's efforts during these operations have resulted in a commendable number of criminal arrests as well as valuable and critical assistance to other agencies we support.
Lt. Horger is subject to call out almost every day of the year for disasters, operations, or significant events across the state. He goes out of his way to help those he works with and serve the citizens of Texas. He will often without hesitation adjust his plans or schedule to accommodate someone else's needs or request. Lt. Horger is a go-getter who regularly goes above and beyond the duties assigned to him and is well deserving of such a prestigious award."
The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly luncheon where First Responders are highlighted for their contributions to the community. For several years the SAR Robert Rankin Chapter Public Service Committee, chaired by Tom Jackson with assistance from Allan Perkins, has presented the monthly honoree with one of the National SAR Public Service Medals and Certificates: Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMS, Life Saving or Heroism. In addition to the Law Enforcement medal, Lieutenant Horger, along with Captain Barina and Lieutenant Cummings, received a Certificate of Appreciation for Covid Heroic Service from the Rankin Chapter.
Photo L to R: SAR Robert Rankin Chapter member Allan Perkins, Captain Brian Barina with the Texas Dept. of Public Safety, Mrs. Horger and Honoree Lieutenant Jason Horger, Harris County Commissioner Pct 3 Tom Ramsey, Stephanie de los Santos and Janet Wachs with the Harris County Dept. of Education, and Former Texas SAR President Tom Jackson. (Photo Credit: Genesis Photographers)
