Royse City American Legion selects Law Officer/Firefighter First Responder of the Year

Royse City American Legion selects Law Officer/Firefighter First Responder of the Year
Rogelio Santander
James Michael Embrey

(ROYSE CITY, TX — May 16, 2018) A police officer from the Dallas Police Department has been selected as the 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by The American Legion Post 100 in Royse City.

Officer Rogelio Santander was honored not only for his overall performance as a police officer in the community, but most especially for, as stated in his letter of nomination, “being an outstanding officer and accomplishing so much in such a short period of time.”

“Officer Santander is truly deserving of this award,” said Jason Castleberry,  commander of American Legion Post 100. “He gave his life protecting the community but more importantly he was a guiding light to his friends and family. He had served over 3 years as police officer and in that short time he made a significant contribution to the people around him.”

Officer Santander was shot and killed while trying to arrest a shoplifting suspect on April 24 at a Home Depot on Forest Lane. He had grown up always wanting to be an officer. At his memorial he was remembered as a man who always took time for his family and making the people around him better.

The Post has also selected James Michael Embrey of Royse City as the Firefighter of the Year. James was honored not only for his overall performance as a volunteer fire fighter, but also for encouraging others and being a true example of “servant leadership”.

“Mr. Embrey is truly deserving of this award,” said Jason Castleberry,  commander of American Legion Post 100. “It takes a special person to give of themselves and be a volunteer firefighter. He exemplifies the meaning of the word selfless service. He has served almost two years as a fire fighter for Royse City Fire Department and during that time he has gained the respect of the people around him”

The First Responders and families will receive their awards from the Royse City American Legion Post at the Annual Banquet held on July 28th at 12:30 PM at City Hall in the Mellody Room located at 305 N Arch st in Royse City Texas.

With a current membership of 1.8-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation. The First Responder Award program is a premier program of the American Legion whose purpose is to bring recognition to the sacrifices and hard work of local first responders.

Submitted press release.

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