She kept going
She left Pflugerville, sued the city, and went back to work. At her next agency she earned a Medal of Valor.
Chapter four, 2021 to 2024
She sued
On May 24, 2021, she sued the City of Pflugerville under the Texas Whistleblower Act in the 455th District Court. A week later, on May 31, she resigned. Her family moved across Texas.
The case settled at mediation in November 2021. The city paid $75,000, through the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool, and the case was dismissed with prejudice. The city admitted no wrongdoing.
A new badge
In June 2021 she joined the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Within months she was being recognized again, and at the February 2024 awards banquet the sheriff’s office gave her its Medal of Valor, KLTV reported.
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2021
Commanders Citation for proactive patrol work, leading her peers in narcotics-related and DWI arrests.
Her Smith County Sheriff’s Office award records -
Feb 2023
Sheriff’s Achievement Award for her actions the night Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos was killed in the line of duty. She was at the hospital and helped make sure he had transport honors until he could be laid to rest.
Her Smith County Sheriff’s Office award records; CBS19, March 1, 2023 -
Jan 29, 2023
Medal of Valor. She and a fellow deputy went into a home with an armed suspect inside to reach a victim.
KLTV, February 28, 2024 -
Jun 5, 2023
Life Saving Award. She pulled a driver from a burning car. “The deputy’s quick actions and exceptional bravery saved the life of the driver.”
KLTV, February 28, 2024 -
Jun 2023
Deputy of the Month, B Shift Patrol.
Her Smith County Sheriff’s Office award records -
Aug 28, 2023
Commanders Citation. A kidnapped 17-year-old was found alive.
KLTV, February 28, 2024 -
Feb 2024
Unit Commendation as a field training officer. She trained 14 deputies.
KLTV, February 28, 2024
We promised him, we promised his wife, his kids that we would be here for them and that we would be here for all the moments that he should still be here for. So it means a lot to be able to carry that on.
What happened to me did not erase my abilities, my integrity, or the heart I put into my work.