Fort Bend ISD (November 6, 2024) – Fort Bend ISD Police Officer Daniel Oballe was honored by the Houston Texans as their “First Responder of the Week” at their October 27th game.
 
Oballe was nominated by his daughter Amanda Jaquez.

“My dad has spent most of his life serving the community as a patrol officer,” she said. “He is a cancer survivor and is looking forward to retirement in a few years. He loves his family and friends and I believe he knows how proud we are of him. I would like for others to see what we see and give him just a little recognition.”

Oballe received front-row tickets which he shared with his 12-year-old grandson in what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
 
To him, the recognition meant more for his family and for the example it set for his grandson about community respect for law enforcement.

"This is not about me," he said. “Us old guys aren’t about the recognition.”
 
As season ticket holders, Jaquez and her husband were also there to witness the presentation.

Oballe did not tell many of his fellow officers he was going to be recognized.
 
“Right after they saw me on TV, my phone started blowing up,” he said.
 
Oballe’s career spans more than 42 years, including 24 years with Fort Bend ISD.
 
He began as a patrol officer with the Wharton Police Department, later moved to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, and eventually became a school resource officer for FBISD, primarily stationed at Dulles High School. Recently, he transitioned to a role working in the police department's main office.

Beyond his professional achievements, Oballe’s life reflects profound resilience.
 
He has endured the loss of his parents and older sister to cancer.
 
He was diagnosed with stage 3 seminoma cancer in 2020 and underwent rigorous treatment over the next year that compromised his immune system.

After returning to work during the 2021-22 school year, Oballe battled a severe case of COVID-19 that placed him in the ICU for six days. Tragically, his wife also contracted COVID and passed away with complications from the virus and other pre-existing health conditions that month.

His recognition by the Texans serves as a testament to the impact of his service and the resilience he's displayed through unimaginable personal and professional challenges.

The Texans organization honors a first responder at each home game for their dedication to keeping our communities safe. 

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