Texas Border Business
As the South Texas community rallies in anticipation of a momentous occasion, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos is at the forefront, welcoming Detective Benjamin Garcia’s remarkable 800-mile run aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) organization. The event culminates in McAllen and is a tribute to the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as evidence of their firm commitment to supporting their families.
Detective Garcia, a member of the San Antonio Police Department, embarked on this ultramarathon from Amarillo on September 26, 2024, with a mission that extends far beyond personal endurance. His run is an effort to shine a light on C.O.P.S., a national nonprofit organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to the families and colleagues of fallen police officers. With each step he takes, Garcia hopes to raise funds to ensure the South Texas chapter of C.O.P.S. can continue offering vital services like grief counseling, outreach programs, and financial support.
Garcia runs an average of 40 miles a day, covering nearly 800 miles over the span of three weeks, exemplifying dedication not only to his career as a law enforcement officer but also to his community. His goal is to arrive in McAllen around October 18th, where the mayor and the community will be waiting to celebrate his achievement.
Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed deep gratitude for Garcia’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of his journey and what it represents for the McAllen community. “I’m very, very happy about what Detective Garcia has taken up, running from North Texas to McAllen. Culminating his effort here in McAllen is very important to us. Our community will be here, waiting to applaud his efforts and assist in raising funds for the initiative,” Villalobos said.
Standing beside the McAllen Police Department Memorial, Villalobos was moved by its symbolism. “It’s a beautiful memorial, but one of the things we always hope is that we don’t add any more names. We want to keep it as it is, honoring those who have given their lives protecting our citizens. Our responsibility is to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten, and this initiative is a step toward that.”
The memorial bears the names of officers like Ismael Z. Chavez and Edelmiro Garza Jr., both of whom died in the line of duty in 2020. The memorial not only honors those lost but also serves as a reminder of the risks officers face daily to protect their communities.
Detective Garcia’s journey is unprecedented, surpassing his previous ultramarathon efforts, including a 273-mile run from San Antonio to McAllen. His motivation comes from a personal connection to the cause—having witnessed firsthand the toll that an officer’s death takes on families and colleagues. C.O.P.S. ensures these individuals do not have to face their grief alone, offering emotional and logistical support as they navigate life without their loved ones.
Speaking from his starting point in front of the Amarillo Police Department on September 26, 2024, in Amarillo, Garcia stated, “I’m ready to get started. The Amarillo PD is with me and will escort me out of the city. Follow and share—let’s get this party started. Vamonos!”
While his upbeat demeanor and casual references to “pizza, beer, burgers, and tacos” as his fuel bring a lighthearted touch to his endeavor, the weight of his mission is profound. Garcia knows the difference that C.O.P.S. can make in the lives of grieving families, and this ultramarathon is his way of ensuring they continue to receive the support they need.
How McAllen Can Make a Difference
As the run draws attention to the cause, Mayor Villalobos encourages the McAllen community to contribute in any way they can. “For the C.O.P.S. initiative, whether it’s a few dollars, a hundred dollars, or whatever you can give, we’ll be getting information out to assist Detective Garcia in achieving his goal,” Villalobos said.
The mayor hopes Garcia’s efforts inspire others to look at ways they can make a difference in their community, emphasizing McAllen’s ongoing commitment to growth and positivity. “We keep on talking here about McAllen Shines, and what that means is a change in culture, a change in the way we think, and bettering every aspect of our city. What Benjamin is doing now—even though he’s from out of town—that’s the type of thing we’re talking about. It’s making McAllen shine, and it’s making a difference.”
The C.O.P.S. organization, which Garcia is running to support, provides complete services to families who have lost officers in the line of duty. From grief counseling and community outreach to financial assistance, C.O.P.S. ensures that no one has to face the tragic loss of an officer alone. The funds raised through Garcia’s run will directly benefit the South Texas chapter of the organization, ensuring continued support for those affected by these losses.
To contribute to this cause, the public is encouraged to visit the C.O.P.S. website or donate through the QR codes provided by Garcia’s team. Every dollar raised will help grieving families and police departments across South Texas.
Honoring McAllen’s Fallen Officers
The McAllen Police Department Memorial serves as a sad reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by officers like:
- Officer Federico R. Saenz – March 26, 1933
- Officer Reynaldo V. Lopez – July 10, 1993
- Officer Ismael Z. Chavez – July 11, 2020
- Officer Edelmiro Garza Jr. – July 11, 2020
- Officer Rosalio Suarez Jr. – May 19, 1981
These names, etched into the memorial, honor those who gave their lives for their community and remind us of the risks law enforcement officers face every day.
As Detective Benjamin Garcia makes his way closer to McAllen, he carries with him not just the weight of his physical journey but also the hopes of families and officers who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. His 800-mile journey is more than just a race—it’s a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring support of communities like McAllen for their law enforcement heroes.
The McAllen community will welcome him home, and under Mayor Javier Villalobos’s leadership, they are ready to continue supporting this crucial cause.
Visit https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org to contribute and help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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