Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – On Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 the Edinburg Police Department recognized and awarded Edinburg Police Officer Joaquin Garcia with the Lifesaving Award during a ceremony held at the Edinburg Police Department.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. I have this man to thank,” said Edinburg resident Jaime Cavazos, “[Officer Garcia’s] actions and what he did for me saved my life. Had it not been for him applying the tourniquet at the time it was, I don’t think I would be here.”
On December 17th, 2021 shortly after 5:00 pm Officer Joaquin Garcia responded to the intersection of McColl Road and Mile 17 ½ Road in reference to a major crash involving a motorcycle. When Officer Garcia arrived at the scene, he saw Jaime Cavazos, the driver of the motorcycle, with a severe injury to his right leg. Officer Garcia immediately applied a tourniquet to Mr. Cavazos’s leg to limit and prevent further blood loss. Mr. Cavazos was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries, where the treating physician credited Officer Joaquin Garcia’s swift and heroic actions to saving Mr. Cavazos’s life.
“Since I arrived 6 months ago, I have met some remarkable men and women, who are willing to serve and to do whatever it takes to care for those in our community in which they come in contact,” said Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala, “Officer Garcia’s actions are those of which is expected of any first responder to assess the situation and let their training kick in, but it still takes great heart and courage to do typical tasks when you see someone suffering as badly as Mr. Cavazos was. I’m very proud to have the caliber of officers, such as Joaquin Garcia, serving on our police force.”
