Houston Christian University (HCU) Police Chief John Karshner presented HCU police officer, David Tezeno, with the Life Saving Award at the 2023-2024 End-of-the-Year Faculty/Staff Celebration.
Karshner presented the night patrol officer with the award for his heroic actions in saving the life of a driver whose vehicle careened into The Pillars shopping complex after missing the entrance ramp to the Southwest Freeway and caught on fire.
“There are only two really big awards in police work,” shared Chief Karshner, “One is for valor, and the other is for saving a life.”
During the awards presentation, the HCU Police Chief read from a proclamation presented in Tezeno’s honor that described the quick actions taken by the officer to retrieve the occupant from the vehicle as smoke began to billow on the outside and fill the interior of the vehicle’s cabin.
“It was clear to those present that day, and to those who have since reviewed his actions, and we reviewed them, that Officer Tezeno’s quick and decisive action prevented the death of, or additional injury to, the driver.
“Now through his conscientious and quick action, Officer David Tezeno exemplified the highest traditions of the Houston Christian University Police Department and brought recognition and honor to Houston Christian University,” read Chief Karshner.
Tezeno, who joined the HCU Police Department in 2014, was presented with the proclamation and given a Red Cross pin honoring his heroic actions.