Grapevine Police Officer RJ Hudson will receive the Star of Texas Award, presented by Governor Greg Abbott, on Friday, September 10, 2021, in Austin. The award honors first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
On October 19, 2017, Officer Hudson was traveling south on SH-121 near Hall-Johnson Road when an SUV swerved into his lane and hit his police motorcycle. Officer Hudson suffered dozens of broken bones, lacerations and internal injuries. He was hospitalized for over a month before being released on Thanksgiving. His rigorous recovery routine earned him back to full duty on November 4, 2019.
Hudson’s strength, perseverance and unwavering spirit carried him through nearly two years of surgeries and intense physical therapies in order to return to full duty. The Grapevine Police Department is proud of Officer Hudson’s hard work and dedication, and is in full appreciation of Governor Greg Abbott’s recognition of his service.
Hudson’s ceremony can be watched live at 10:30am through the Governor’s website https://gov.texas.gov/organization/cjd/star-of-texas.
Since returning to the Traffic Division as a motorcycle officer, Officer Hudson has spoken to various officers and police recruits about both the dangers of law enforcement and traffic accidents, and the importance of a positive mind to overcome challenges.
You can also see Officer Hudson, along with several other agencies’ motorcycle units this week at the Back the Blue Motorcycle Rodeo benefitting Spokes 4 Hope. It will be held in the parking lot of Grapevine Mills (Lot 1B) Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to watch the competition and practice rides.
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