Officer Injured In Line of Duty Honored By Governor Perry

Houston Police Officer Rick  Salter today received the Star of  Texas Award from Governor Rick Perry.  

In March,  the  (now former)  undercover officer  was shot in the face while trying to serve a narcotics warrant at a home in East Houston.    According to police reports,  the homeowner and suspect drug dealer fired his weapon multiple times as  Officer Salter and other officers approached the home.   Salter was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after a bullet struck him in the jaw.  He is now in a wheelchair as he continues his road to recovery.

“He deserves our admiration and respect,” said Governor Perry. “He is an unsung hero.”

 According to the Governor’s office,  “The Star of  Texas Award  recognizes  the important work that peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel perform everyday , and they honor our first responders for the sacrifices they have made in the line of  duty.”

Salter has been with HPD for almost 30 years.  He is married and has two children. 

The ceremony took place at the Houston Police Officers Union. The event was also attended by Police Chief Harold Hurtt, HPOU President Gary Blankinship, and many of  Salter’s fellow officers.

I can’t show you the faces of  other people in the crowd, because most of them work undercover for HPD.