Lubbock County Sheriff's Office deputies Jorge Martinez and Andrew Cavazos were among those honored by Gov. Greg Abbott with the Star of Texas Award during a ceremony Sept. 11, 2026, in Austin. - lufkindailynews.com

The award recognizes law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel across the state for their service. Martinez and Cavazos work patrol for the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office, covering the county outside city limits.

Neighbors here don't often see county deputies earn statewide recognition. The ceremony put a spotlight on the people who patrol the roads and neighborhoods around Lubbock County day to day, work that mostly goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Two deputies from the same department earned the honor together, alongside law enforcement from across Texas.