Press Releases

WASHINGTON - In honor of National Police Week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) recognized the selfless service and achievements of Texas law enforcement on the House floor. 

De La Cruz hosts Major Fred Whisenant, Trooper Juan Zuniga, and Trooper Roman Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Honor Guard in Washington, D.C.

Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Honor Guard

In honor of National Police Week, I rise to recognize two exceptional officers from Texas’ 15th Congressional District, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez. 
 

Trooper Zuniga, a McAllen native, has spent over 12 years protecting the citizens of our state. Since graduating from the Department of Public Safety Academy in 2013, he has served as a mentor and a highly skilled expert in crash reconstruction and drug recognition.
Edinburg native, Trooper Roman Gonzalez, has led a life defined by sacrifice. Before his 17-year career as a Trooper, Roman served as a U.S. Marine in Iraq, where he earned the Combat Action Ribbon for his courage on the front lines.

Both of these men continue to go above and beyond as members of the elite Texas DPS Honor Guard. They ensure that our fallen heroes are laid to rest with dignity, precision, and respect. 

Troopers Zuniga and Gonzalez represent the very best of South Texas. Thank you for your service. 

Watch the full speech here.

Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department

I rise to recognize Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department, who was recently awarded the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

This award is reserved for those who embody exceptional leadership in law enforcement. 

Since stepping into his role, Chief Ayala has shifted the department’s focus from simply responding to crime to actively preventing it. 

By building a proactive agency and deploying drones for real-time emergency responses, he has ensured that Edinburg remains at the cutting edge of public safety innovation.

Under his leadership, the Edinburg Police Department was awarded the Rio Grande Valley’s Favorite Law Enforcement Agency for the third year in a row. 
This honor reflects his team’s deep commitment to serving and connecting with our community. Congratulations to Chief Ayala on this incredible achievement!

Watch the full speech here.

Sergeant Joshua Roque of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office
I rise today to honor Alice-native Sergeant Joshua Roque for his outstanding service and leadership at the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office.

Since joining the department six years ago, Sgt. Roque has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and leadership. Moving from his role as a Correctional Officer to Patrol Sergeant, he has distinguished himself not only as a Deputy but also as a resilient member of the SWAT team.

He is known throughout the agency for his professionalism and positive attitude that he brings to every shift. 

Whether he is supervising his squad or making critical decisions under pressure, he leads with integrity. 

Thank you, Sergeant Roque, for your dedication to public safety and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office.

Watch the full speech here.