EDINBURG — Law enforcement from across the state and community members gathered Tuesday night for a prayer vigil in support of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Moises Sanchez, 48, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
Sanchez was shot twice shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday after responding to an automobile accident on North 10th Street and Freddy Gonzalez Drive in McAllen. He remains in stable but critical condition at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance.
Faith leaders led songs and prayers, and colleagues spoke of how they knew him — like how Edinburg Police Chief Cesar Torres shared that Sanchez coached their kids in baseball and basketball.
“I’ve built a bound throughout the years with Trooper Sanchez, so this really hit home for us,” he said, adding that it hurt to see his family go through this. “We want the Sanchez family to know that we are here in every way possible.”
Speakers recognized the different shades of uniforms in the room. Officers of various agencies sat toward the front of the auditorium supporting the Sanchez family in front.
“We are a family tonight — a family that has come together under difficult circumstances to do what families do,” DPS Regional Director Jose C. Rodriguez III said, which is “support, love, be vulnerable, comfort and pray together.”
There was nothing Rodriguez could say to undo the tragedy, he said, but called on the community to act with selflessness and compassion, “qualities that Trooper Sanchez has demonstrated throughout his life as a father, as a coach, as a mentor, as a Marine and of course as a Texas State Trooper.”
Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association Field Director Cesar Cuevas said he was appreciative to see more than 100 people waiting before a blood drive started this morning.
“I’m here asking everyone to donate — donate a prayer,” Cuevas said. “Give a little bit of your strength and let’s donate it to a brother in blue in need.”
People can donate to the Sanchez Family (Account #1371855) at Texas Regional Bank, according to DPS spokesman Lt. Johnny Hernandez. Check or money orders should be made payable to “FBO Moises Sanchez.”
Contributions to the family can also be made via a PayPal account using the email [email protected],
