ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARDS FROM THE GREATER EL PASO CHAPTER OF THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS

March 20, 2023

EL PASO, TEXAS – On June 19, 2022, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to 3900 Vanderveer about a structure fire. A Deputy arrived and escorted the family to a safe location on the property. During the investigation, Deputies discovered an off-duty Detention Officer ran into the burning residence to help gather necessary religious items and property. Detention Officer Daniel Cardenas identified himself, told deputies he was driving home, and saw the large fire. The mother did not want to exit without retrieving some of her property, to which he emphasized, "you can recuperate material, but not your life." He was awarded the El Paso Sheriff's Office Life Saving Medal by Honorable Sheriff Richard D. Wiles for his bravery.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office submitted his name for the Lifesaving Award through the Greater El Paso Military Order of World Wars Chapter. On March 18, 2023, the Greater El Paso Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars held a meeting at 1985 George Dieter (Applebee's), where he received a Certificate of Appreciation Lifesaving Award. Without the quick actions of off-duty Detention Officer Cardenas, the victims could have sustained permanent debilitating injuries or worse. Instead, his bravery and acts of placing the safety of others first saved the lives of the family.