First Responders from around the Houston area gathered to remember and honor first responders who have fallen in the line of duty during the 2022 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ First Responders Day, presented by BP.

To open the ceremony, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chairman of the Board Brady Carruth gave some opening remarks about the event.

Carruth described the event as “One of the greatest days we have here at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.”

Guests included Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who gave some amazing remarks about the local first responders.

“God has special folk put in our lives for a special purpose,” said Turner.

Along with special remarks, Mayor Turner declared that March 7, 2022, be “First Responders Day” in Houston.

The event included an awards ceremony honoring numerous first responders who excelled at their jobs in tragic and intense situations.

Honorees ranged from Houston police officers to active-duty first responders from Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Current Director of Security for the Dallas Cowboys and former Head of Security for American Airlines Larry Wansley was the keynote speaker for the ceremony and reflected on his time as Head of Security during 9/11.

One of our honorees, Officer Brendan McDonough, was surprised by his mother who secretly flew in from Florida to be at his side during the reception.

“I can’t say how proud I am of him today,” said Kimberly McDonough, Brendan’s mother. “And, I am proud to say that his youngest brother will be starting at the academy in two months. So, I will have two sons protecting your city.”

As the ceremony concluded, many of the families of the fallen heroes gathered with other first responders to both mourn and reflect on the lives of their loved ones as well as reunite with old friends.