In a touching display of solidarity and support, a large contingent of law enforcement officers from across South Texas filled the stands at a recent middle school football game. They came to watch Joaquin Espericueta, the 13-year-old son of fallen Mission Police Cpl. Jose “Speedy” Espericueta, play in his first football game.
Cpl. Espericueta, who was featured on the A&E show “Live PD,” was tragically killed in the line of duty in June while responding to a call for help. He was the first Mission police officer to die in the line of duty in over 40 years. According to Police Officer Javier Lara, Cpl. Espericueta was eagerly anticipating watching his son Joaquin play football this year. Sadly, he never got the chance.
On Saturday, officers from the Mission Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, among others, formed a “sea of law enforcement” at Cathey Middle School in McAllen. They were there to support Joaquin as he took the field for his first 7th-grade football game. Joaquin was named an honorary captain for the game, according to Q13Fox.
Officer Lara, who helped organize the gathering, explained, “We made a promise to the family that we’re gonna be there for special events. Being the first football game, we gathered agencies from across the valley to let him know that we’re still there, even though his dad’s not.” This act of support follows other gestures of community solidarity, including officers welcoming Joaquin on his first day of school and helping his daughter move to San Antonio for her education.
According to police reports, Espericueta was killed in June while responding to a call from a woman who reported that her son had shot at her car. When Espericueta attempted to make contact with the suspect, the man fled, then turned and shot the officer. Espericueta later died at the hospital. The Mission Police Department hadn’t lost an officer since December 1978.
Lara emphasized the unwavering support for Joaquin, stating, “Nobody hesitated on showing up. Everybody was willing to go ahead and come out, just to support him, just to let him know that we’re going to be there for the rest of his life.”
Before the game, Joaquin and several officers participated in the ceremonial coin flip at midfield, while a helicopter flew overhead in honor of Cpl. Espericueta. Joaquin, who plays center, reportedly performed well in the game, which his team won. Lara recounted, “He was really excited. He was real thankful about us being here for him. He has a huge heart. He’s going to be a good young man.”
The outpouring of support highlights the strong bonds within the law enforcement community and their commitment to marriage and family, especially in times of tragedy. The presence of so many officers served as a powerful reminder to Joaquin that he is not alone and that his father’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. This event underscores the importance of community support for the families of fallen officers.
This event also serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day and the ultimate sacrifice some make. The support shown to Joaquin and his family is a testament to the enduring bonds within the law enforcement community and their commitment to honoring their fallen brothers and sisters.