The AFGE Law Enforcement Steering Committee is proud to announce Border Patrol Agent Jonathan Morales as the recipient of the 2019 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

On April 27, 2019, a gunman armed with a rifle opened fire in the Chabad of Poway Synagogue in San Diego County striking multiple people. What the gunman didn't know that day, is that the Chabad Synagogue was protected by a shield. That shield was off duty Border Patrol Agent Jonathan Morales. After the gunman opened fire, Jonathan Morales sprang in to action. Agent Morales ran to obtain the only weapon that the synagogue had for defense; an antique Derringer revolver containing only four rounds. Outgunned and showing no fear, Agent Morales engaged the gunman. Upon realizing that he was not the only person in the Synagogue with a firearm, the gunman turned and fled from the scene. Agent Morales gave chase and pursued the gunman down the street. The gunman jumped in to his vehicle and sped off. He was later arrested by San Diego Law Enforcement.

If it were not for the actions that Agent Morales took that day, countless more lives could have been lost. Showing true bravery in the face of evil, Agent Morales exemplified the best characteristics of a Law Enforcement Officer. The United States is a safer place knowing that people like this live and walk among us. Agent Morales himself said it best at the podium in front of the White House with President Donald Trump. "In order to fight these random acts of violence, we must continue to do random acts of kindness."

Jonathan Morales is not just a Border Patrol Agent assigned to El Centro Sector in California, he also serves on the local Union's executive board as the Sergeant at Arms. As an active executive officer of AFGE/NBPC Local 2554, Agent Morales not only works the line on the U.S. Border, but also assists his fellow Border Patrol Agents with the enforcement of their union rights. Agent Morales shows us every day what it means to be a Law Enforcement Officer in the U.S. Border Patrol and a proud serving member of the American Federation of Government Employees/National Border Patrol Council. Agent Morales' actions reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Border Patrol, National Border Patrol Council and American Federation of Government Employees. Agent Morales will receive the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award on the evening of Tuesday, February 12, 2020 at Kelly's Irish Times in Washington, DC. If you are in town for AFGE's Legislative & Grassroots Mobilization Conference, please stop by and congratulate Johnny.