Texas Hill Country News

Son of Fallen SAPD Officer Gets ‘Family’ Escort to Graduation Ceremony

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Tony Maples Photography

 

When Detective Mario Moreno of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) was shot and killed in 2007 in the line of duty, he left behind his wife and two young children. Now, 10 years later, the SAPD created an honor wall for both his memory and the pride and support which they bestowed on his son, Nicholas Moreno, who graduated from Samuel Clemens High School on June 2, 2017.

Assigned to the Repeat Offender Program, in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect, Detective Moreno was shot in the face, later passing as a result of his injuries. The young man that you see before you now, is the son of fallen SAPD Officer Moreno, who was escorted by his extended “family” in blue, to the entrance of the Freeman Coliseum prior to the commencement of his high school graduation ceremony this past Friday, in the Texas Hill Country.

This Facebook video, posted by Kat Size of San Antonio, speaks volumes of the department’s support of family. Detective Moreno had served with the San Antonio Police Department for 11 years when he died courageously in the line of duty. Leaving behind his wife and young family, the department continued to recognize that often times “family” can mean more than blood relation.

The SAPD’s support and recognition of Nicholas in his efforts to do and be better despite such life-altering setbacks conveys a great deal of their brotherhood and community compassion. In an email interview with TexasHillCountry.com, honor wall contact and coordinator, Jorge Patino, identified, “It was important for us to be there for Nicolas’ graduation. We made a promise to each other as brothers & sisters in blue to be there for each other’s families especially for milestones like this. We owe it to our fallen brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty to honor them and their families. Ultimately, we are so proud of Nicolas’ accomplishments and wish him all the best on his future endeavors. In whatever he does, know that SAPD will always have his 6.” Per the video’s very apt caption, “This is what family is all about.”

Sources:

Legacy

Officer Down Memorial Page

Kat Size Facebook Account

F.j. San Miguel Facebook Account