Chief Torres Reveals the Sherman Otto Benys Jr. Memorial Badge

Kingsville Police Department

KINGSVILLE (News Release) On August 12th, 2022, during the Swearing In, Promotions and Awards Ceremony Chief Ricardo Torres revealed the Sherman Otto Benys Jr. memorial badge.

In addition, a proclamation will be issued by the City of Kingsville to honor Officer Benys at the meeting prior to November 4th of each year.

Below is the proclamation issued on the 24th, of January 2022 that will be issued each year.

PROCLAMATION HONORING

PTLM. SHERMAN OTTO BENYS JR.

EOW NOVEMBER 4, 2021

WHEREAS, for generations, the brave men and women of the City of Kingsville Police Department have answered the call to serve and protect our communities. Our Law Enforcement Officers embody the courage and honor that represent the best of the City of Kingsville Police Department; and

WHEREAS, in moments of danger and desperation, the first people we turn to are Law Enforcement officers. These often-unsung heroes risk their lives so that we can live in peace and security; and

WHEREAS, enduring long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances, our Law Enforcement Officer demonstrate remarkable self-control and operate under extreme pressure with uncommon professionalism. They deal with complex, challenging situations and see the worst elements of humanity in the underbelly of society, situations to which most citizens have the privilege of turning and blind eye; and

WHEREAS, we owe dutiful respect and humble gratitude to Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Jr. who on Monday, November 1st, 2021, responded to a 9-1-1 call where a male subject was chasing a female, later found to be his wife, and had attempted to shoot and kill her with a rifle; and

WHEREAS, Ptlm. Benys, without fear for his own safety approached the area where officers encountered the offender, who was shooting at officers, and was critically wounded as a result of this incident; and

WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police officers, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation; and

WHEREAS, Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life, on November 4th, 2021, ensuring the safety of citizens of our community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Sam R. Fugate call upon all citizens of the City of Kingsville and upon all patriotic, civil, and educational organizations to observe December 13th, 2022, as:

“PATROLMAN SHERMAN OTTO BENYS JR. DAY”

with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which our community may join in commemorating police officers, past and present, who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty.