The Wounded Blue Honored Two Civilians for Heroic Actions
The Wounded Blue Honored Two Civilians for Heroic Actions During Fatal Las Cruces Incident. Two civilians from Las Cruces, New Mexico, were honored for their extraordinary bravery during a tragic 2024 incident that claimed the life of a police officer.
Issiah Astorga and Araceli Hernandez were presented with the Civilian Medal of Honor by The Wounded Blue, a national organization dedicated to supporting injured and traumatized law enforcement officers. The two were recognized for their courageous actions when they intervened to help Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was fatally stabbed in February 2024 while responding to a trespassing call.
According to The Wounded Blue, the Civilian Medal of Honor represents “the highest recognition for civilians who risk their lives in an effort to save an officer.” The award symbolizes bravery, selflessness, and the unbreakable bond between law enforcement and the community they serve.
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Astorga, an Army veteran and licensed concealed carry holder, recalled the harrowing night when he acted to protect others. “I told the suspect to drop his weapon,” he said. “When he didn’t, I fired to protect my girlfriend, myself, and Officer Hernandez.” After neutralizing the threat, Astorga immediately ran to the officer’s side to render aid.
Reflecting on the recognition, Astorga expressed gratitude for the support he has received from people across the globe. “I’ve had people around the world message me and say very kind words… and it goes a long way,” he shared. “It helps because everything has been hard. Even though it’s been 20 months, it’s still very hard.” The Wounded Blue Honored Two Civilians for Heroic Actions During Fatal Las Cruces Incident.
Since that tragic night, Astorga has continued his commitment to service by joining the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue Team, where he continues to dedicate himself to helping others in need.
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The Wounded Blue’s mission extends beyond recognizing acts of heroism. The organization works to provide critical emotional and peer support to law enforcement officers who have been physically or psychologically injured in the line of duty. The Wounded Blue Honored Two Civilians for Heroic Actions During Fatal Las Cruces Incident.
Their Peer Support Team is composed entirely of current and former officers who have personally experienced trauma, allowing them to provide genuine understanding and connection. “We listen to the stories, we understand what officers go through daily,” a representative from The Wounded Blue explained. “That’s what makes it easier for us to connect with them and their families, to help them find the resources they need.”
The organization’s motto, “Never forgotten, never alone,” underscores its commitment to ensuring no officer feels isolated or unsupported. Through national outreach, events, and peer programs, The Wounded Blue reminds law enforcement professionals that they are part of a larger family, one that stands together in both triumph and tragedy.
As for Astorga and Hernandez, their actions serve as a lasting reminder of the power of courage and compassion in moments of crisis. Through their bravery, they not only tried to save a hero, they became heroes themselves. The Wounded Blue Honored Two Civilians for Heroic Actions During Fatal Las Cruces Incident.
Attributions
John J Wiley
Radio Show Host and Producer
Retired from the Baltimore Police Department at the rank of Sergeant. He was retired early due a permanent line of duty injury that occurred during an act of violence. The injury resulted in 3 surgeries, two steel plates and a fusion of his right wrist and thumb.
About 8 years after retiring from police work, he began a career in the audio broadcasting space. Starting with "audio-blogs" in 1999. Which progressed into a brokered once a week radio show and then led to broadcasting school.
After graduating he has been a full time FM radio personality and launched the Law Enforcement Today Show as a podcast in March of 2017. This was in a partnership with Law Enforcement Today's Robert Greenberg. The show was quickly recruited by radio and is a nationally syndicated radio show, broadcasting weekly on many US Radio Stations to millions of people.
The partnership with them ended in the Summer of 2023 and the show was renamed the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
The radio show is syndicated by Talk Media Network. Go to the Radio Page of the site for more information.
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