It is a typical belief that the day-to-day life of school district police officers and security guards is mostly filled with routine procedures of guarding entrances and overseeing students and staff moving about the campus. The afternoon of Monday, September 23rd was anything but routine for one UISD police officer and the security guards posted at United Middle School.
It was the end of a normal day of learning at the school when class was dismissed. Students were leaving the campus, located at the corner of Del Mar and Lindenwood, and those who live nearby were walking to the street corner on their way home, where Security Guard Josefina Bravo was on the north side of the corner in front of the school helping the children cross the busy street safely. UISD Police Officer Vicente Ceballos was across on the south side of the street helping to control vehicle traffic and assisting Ms. Bravo in directing the students.
Officer Ceballos heard a message on his police radio. Texas DPS Troopers were chasing a vehicle suspected of transporting persons who had crossed the US-Mexico border illegally. The pursuit was occuring on Del Mar Boulevard and was heading eastbound towards the school. Thinking quickly, Officer Ceballos cleared the street, and the security guards alerted the faculty assisting students at the building’s exit. The security guards sprang into action to bring children back inside the school where they would be safe, and secured the entryway.
Meanwhile, Security Guard Josefina Bravo suddenly heard the sirens of the police cars, and looked to see the suspected vehicle speeding towards the corner. There was still one young girl, Eighth Grade Student Angelique Juarez, who was waiting to cross the street. In a split second, Ms. Bravo reached for Angelique and moved her away from the corner towards the school building. It was just then that the suspect vehicle’s driver attempted to turn left onto Lindenwood, and crashed into the telephone pole on the corner where Bravo and the young girl had been standing.
One suspect exited the car and began running away. Upholding his duty as a Policeman, Officer Ceballos immediately ran after the suspect. He stopped only after he saw the Troopers catch up and apprehend the subject.
Officer Vicente Ceballos’ situational awareness and quick reaction were the key to avoiding a potential tragedy at that intersection and on the school grounds. The security guards’ training and professionalism was crucial in keeping the remaining students on the school grounds safe inside the building, and Ms. Bravo’s fast thinking and reflexes saved a girl’s life. Furthermore, Officer Ceballos’ commitment to duty was evident when he gave chase to the suspect who fled the scene on foot.
United Middle School Principal Rosana Arizola expressed gratitude for having such a capable and dedicated police and security staff at her campus. “The dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of our students and UMS employees by our Police Officer and Security Guards is truly appreciated and commendable. I am incredibly grateful to have such capable, caring, and vigilant Security Guards and Police Officers on our staff whose main priority is student and staff safety. Their bravery and quick response with this recent incident prove that they are truly a vital asset to the campus,” she said, “We are truly blessed to have the best security team at UMS.”
UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz spoke highly of the courage and readiness displayed on that day. “Ms. Bravo and Officer Ceballos exemplify the bravery and quick thinking that define our district’s commitment to student safety. Their swift actions in a moment of crisis not only protected our students but quite likely saved a young girl’s life. We are incredibly proud to have such dedicated individuals at United ISD who put our students' well being above all else,” said Dr. Cruz.
The Police and Security Staff at United Middle School were celebrated with a parade the next day by the students and staff, who were most thankful to them for their astuteness, professionalism, and commitment to the safety and security of everyone at the campus, and the community that surrounds it.
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