Officer receives Silver Star, Purple Heart for taking down drug dealer who killed trooper

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS) — Las Cruces police officer Adrian Garza was presented with the Silver Star for Bravery and the Law Enforcement Purple Heart today at the Las Cruces Police Department for his heroic actions taking down a drug dealer after he shot and killed New Mexico State Police Trooper Darian Jarrott during a traffic stop.

In attendance, was Garza's daughter, Las Cruces Police, NMSP, family of Darian Jarrott, retired LCPD officers.

“It’s been a difficult time, thank you to the Jarrott family for coming out here, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s been difficult for me, my daughter, but I just want to say thank you, I appreciate everyone coming out here, I love you guys, I wish I was back at work with you guys, I miss you every day, I tried my best that day, but still got injured," said Garza.

“My daughter, (crying).... she’s what kept me alive that day, I fought for her, I promised her I would come home and I did, thank you, everybody, thank you for all the support," he said.

“Reliving that day is a very emotional experience for everybody here in the police department and myself included, having everybody gather here and honor Adrian is very emotional, it’s a very emotional experience and very surreal for us. We cherish the chance to have him back in the building and have him honored as he should be," said Las cruces police chief Miguel Dominguez.

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