Hundreds mourn fallen police officer

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hundreds came out to show their support and pay their respects for fallen Senior Police Officer Jaime Padron on Tuesday evening, including Texas Rangers, paramedics and even fellow veterans. 

"The family is really thankful for this outpouring of love," said Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo on behalf of the Padron family.

Padron was responding to a call of an intoxicated man inside a Wal Mart off Parmer Lane in North Austin Friday morning.  Police say Brandon Daniel, 24, shot Padron at point blank range in the neck.  Padron was also struck in the chest, but the bullet lodged in his protective vest.  Another bullet fired missed the officer.

Still alive but bleeding, Padron was able to reach his radio to call for help.  As he did, two Wal Mart employees were able to disarm Daniel.  CPR was performed on Padron but was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Daniel was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with capital murder.   His mother, Mary O' Dell, said her son was drinking tequila and had taken prescription medication in the hours leading up to the shooting.

Strangers come to mourn

Kathy Ripp, who lost her sister in the line of duty 10 years ago, came out to show the Padron family support and offer them a shoulder to cry on.

"When an officer falls in the line of duty they become part of a very small distinguished family," explained Ripp.

Ripp added that despite not knowing Padron, all families that have loved ones on any police force are connected and bonded for life.

"[The Padrons] are a part of my cop family," she added.

Padron's family did not address the media and were escorted to the funeral home by police officers.  Inside, the Honor Flag was displayed--paying tribute to Pardon's heroism as a first responder .

"They know he didn't die in vain or alone inside," Acevedo added.

That flag has flown at the State Capitol and been to outer space.  On Wednesday, it will be draped over Padron's casket as his body is driven to his hometown of San Angelo.  He will be escorted the entire way by APD officers.

Colleagues pay respects

Mark Cano won't be a part of the procession so he made sure to show his support for a fellow Marine Tuesday night.

"I just felt it was appropriate to pay my respects," said Cano.

Cano called the Padron's killing 'the end of civilization.'

He believes no person who fights for their country and protects the public should be gunned down. Padron served as a rifleman in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993.  He received an Honorable Discharge and was given many awards.

"If there is no rule of law, there is nothing left," he said.

All APD officer wore a memorial band across their badges with the following Latin saying embroidered on them: 'Nemo Me Impugn Lacessit.'  The saying translate to: 'No one harms me with impunity.'

"I love my cops," Acedevo said while choking up.

APD officers will wear those memorial bands on their badges up until midnight of the seventh day following internment.

Padron served as a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993. He achieved the rank of corporal and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. He received an honorable discharge.

Police service and honors

Two meritorious mast awards for distinguished service
Good Conduct medal

• National Defense Medal
• Southeast Asia Service Medal with 3 stars/clusters
• Kuwaiti Liberation Medal
• Saudi Arabian Medal
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star/cluster
• Navy Unit Citation Ribbon
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Awards from the Austin Police Department:Superior Service Ribbon
• Safe Driving ribbon
• Military Service Ribbon
• Academic Achievement Ribbon
• Master Peace Officer Ribbon
• Purple Heart with Valor Medal
   

Funeral
Wednesday
11:00 a.m.
Shoreline Church
15201 Burnet Road

Graveside Police Honors
Immediately following funeral outside on the ground of Shoreline Church

Arrangements for Funeral in San Angelo, Texas:

Rosary
Thursday
6 p.m.
Johnson Funeral Home
435 West Beauregard
San Angelo, TX 76903

Funeral
Friday
10 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
301 West 17th Street
San Angelo, TX 76903
Interment

Internment
Longhaven Cemetery
4989 FM1223
San Angelo