AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott awarded an Austin Independent School District police officer a prestigious honor during the 2024 Star of Texas awards in north Austin.
The Star of Texas awards recognize first responders, police officers and firefighters who suffer serious injuries or die in the line of duty, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
Austin ISD Sergeant Val Barnes received the honor after he was injured during a shooting spree in December 2023 that left six people dead and several others injured.
A shooter opened fire on Barnes at Northeast Early College High School, which left him with a serious leg injury.
At the time of the shooting, Barnes had worked with the district for nearly three decades as a supervisor supporting school resources officers.
Barnes told KXAN Wednesday that he was grateful to be here.
“It’s truly an honor. I’m proud to be here amongst all the other officers and first responders that lost lives and suffered injuries during that time frame. I’m just grateful to be here and enjoy what I do and glad to be back to work,” he said.
Barnes said he has since fully recovered from his injury.
This marks the 21st year of the Star of Texas awards. Barnes and 20 others received the Star of Texas award Wednesday.