[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL POLICE WEEK: TEXAS HONOR GUARD

  (Ms. De La Cruz of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, 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. 
I thank them for their service.


                        Police Chief Jaime Ayala

  Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, 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 beautiful community.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chief Ayala on this incredible 
achievement.


                     Honoring Sergeant Joshua Roque

  Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, 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 6 years ago, Sergeant Roque has 
demonstrated 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.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Roque for his dedication to public 
safety and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Jim Wells County 
Sheriff's Department.

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