State Representative Brooks Landgraf joined Texas Governor Greg Abbott in honoring two very deserving West Texans with The Star of Texas Award on Monday, at a ceremony hosted in their honor at the Texas Capitol.

Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers Sgt. Michael Thomas and Sgt. Chad Matlock were injured in the line of duty on August 11, 2015 in Odessa, when attempting to arrest a suspect wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting. Both survived and have recovered well.

In thanking both gentlemen in his remarks, Rep. Brooks Landgraf stated "The Star of Texas Award is reserved for a special class of first responders. This award is a commendation as well as a symbol of the immense amount of gratitude that Texas has for your service. When your life was threatened in the line of duty, you heroically put the safety of others above your own. Thank you for standing in harm's way so that you may protect the people of this great state. Texas is a better place because of you and every member of law enforcement that has answered the call to service."