Pantexans Alex Rodriquez and Jaron Harrison received special citations from the Amarillo Police department for their actions in assisting a police officer during an arrest.
We often think of crimefighters as wearing capes or possessing superpowers, but heroism usually doesn't wait for a uniform. For Pantexans Alex Rodriquez who works as a mechanic, and Jarod Harrison from emergency management, hero status came in the form of split-second decisions on an ordinary afternoon commute — one that would see them charging headfirst where angels fear to tread, defending a lone police officer from an aggressive suspect.
Last year, Alex and Jarod were heading home from work in their respective vehicles. Alex recalled that traffic was heavy that day on Interstate 40, leading him to take a different route home, bypassing his usual turnoff.
As he exited at Ross Street and pulled up to a red light, something immediately caught his attention. He noticed a man walking down the middle of the street. An Amarillo police officer pulled up beside the man, and when the light turned green, Alex had a sudden realization.
“I thought to myself there was a reason why I was brought this way. So, I pulled into the turning lane to try to shield the officer (from traffic) and turned on my hazard lights,” he recalled.
As he parked his car, Rodriquez saw the officer deploy his taser, which dropped the man to the ground — but only for a few, brief seconds. The suspect got back up and lunged toward the officer, who had taken a defensive posture with his baton. Sensing the impending danger, Alex stepped in.
“It goes with what I preach to my sons,” Rodriquez said. “Help others when you can, no matter their shape, size, or color.”
At that moment, out of the corner of his eye, Rodriquez caught a glimpse of his co-worker Jarod Harrison sprinting across traffic and taking down the suspect with a flying tackle.
“I ran over to assist them with getting him detained. It seemed like forever for the officer’s backup to arrive, but it was probably only a minute or two,” Rodriquez said.
Afterward, both Pantexans filled out paperwork detailing their actions, were graciously thanked by law enforcement, and went on with their respective lives.
A few months later, Alex received a voicemail from an unrecognized number. After listening to the message, he anxiously told his wife the news: he and Jarod were being recognized for their efforts at a special Amarillo Police Department ceremony.
“I didn’t want to go because I’m not the kind of person who needs recognition for helping others, but my wife was quick to let me know that I was going — it wasn’t an option,” Rodriquez joked.
Rodriquez’s nerves mounted as they arrived at the ceremony and only increased when their names were called and their story was shared with the crowd. The pair walked up on stage, shook the police chief’s hand, and received a resounding standing ovation.
“I’m a mechanic, and we don’t get many awards, much less an entire room of people standing up and clapping for you. It was very nerve-wracking, yet incredibly rewarding as well,” he noted.
When reflecting on that fateful afternoon, Rodriquez keeps his perspective humble.
“I tell people I was just in the right place at the right time. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I’m just the type of person to help anyone in need,” he said.
It sounds exactly like something a true hero — and a proud Pantexan — would say.