Pharr Police mental health unit honored with state award for disability inclusion

The Pharr Police Departmentmental health unit was recognized by city leaders after receiving the Martha Arbuckle Award from the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Chief Juan Gonzalez told the City Commission. Gonzalez said the unit was honored during a ceremony in San Antonio and that the award highlighted the department's collaborations with local nonprofits, Workforce Solutions, and schools.

"We were blessed enough for this past weekend to attend the event up in the San Antonio area," Gonzalez said, adding the unit received recognition "on behalf of Greg Abbott and the committee." Jackie Rodriguez, speaking for the unit, said the award reflects the department's commitment to inclusion, accessibility and community engagement and credited partnerships for the unit's work.

City Communications said the unit was selected for contributions to the Mental Health Alliance and collaboration with Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley. Juan Gonzalez and other presenters noted the department was the only law enforcement agency in the state to earn that recognition at this forum.

Officials said the unit's work includes outreach with local schools and service providers, ongoing public events, and an aim to model practices that other agencies can replicate. No formal action or funding decision was taken by the commission during the presentation; the presentation was part of the city manager's report and information in the commission's meeting packet.

The commission thanked the mental health unit and invited unit members to join the dais for recognition.