Early Chief of Police David Mercer said Tuesday that Early Police Sgt Steven Means has been selected to receive the 2012 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement award for Valor. The ceremony will be held Thursday June 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004 at 1100 Congress Ave in Austin.

On July 29, 2012, Sergeant Steven Means responded to a call from a RV Park where a tenant, earlier that day, had gotten into an argument with a couple over their dogs being in his yard.  The angry suspect later shot the two dogs, and then shot and killed the male and female dog owners.  Sergeant Means observed the man immediately as he pulled into the trailer park.  The suspect pointed his scope rifle at Sergeant Means as he exited his unit.  The suspect was then shot in the leg by a bystander.  This gave Sergeant Means the needed time to retreat to the rear of his unit and position himself to return fire, killing the suspect.  Sergeant Steven C. Means of the Early Police Department is awarded the Law Enforcement Achievement for Valor, for his bravery and protecting others from harm.

Each year, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) accepts nominations for the annual Law Enforcement Achievement Awards.

Created by Senate Bill 992 in 1989, the awards are presented to selected peace officers, reserve officers, jailers, and custodial officers who are licensed by TCLEOSE.  Award recipients exceed the normal expectations of job performance through acts of professional achievement, public service, or valor.

TCLEOSE is authorized to make achievement awards to the individuals in twenty separate events and/or accomplishments each year.

Pictured above is Means receiving a Medal of Valor from the City of Early in March, presenting the certificate and medal is Early Chief of Police David Mercer.