Mesquite, TX – December 16, 2019 – Mesquite Police Chief Charles Cato was presented the 2019 Patriot Award at the Dec. 16 City Council meeting. The Patriot Award has been presented annually since 2017 by One Community. It is presented to an individual, who through their active involvement in their community, displays ongoing engagement in building bridges of trust between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.
President of One Community, Nick Galanos, presented Chief Cato with the award. He said, “Chief Cato has been instrumental in the creation and support of the Mesquite Police Department’s Summer Camp program, the MISD High School Mentorship Program and the Police Explorer Program. His ongoing dedication to being involved and engaged with the community he is sworn to serve and protect make us proud to present him with this award.”
Chief Cato said, “I am honored and humbled to be selected to receive the One Community Patriot Award. I am privileged to serve with some of the finest men and women in law enforcement today. The members of the Mesquite Police Department who perform their duties in such an exemplary manner day in and day out are the real heroes. Their willingness to engage with the community positively is the key to our success. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I accept this award on their behalf.”
Chief Cato is also a member of the Rotary Club of Mesquite where he coordinates the awards program that recognizes MISD Seniors for leadership, good citizenship and academic achievement. Chief Cato additionally mentors three members of the John Horn High School football team and participates in Big Brothers, Big Sisters by supporting a student at Florence Black Elementary.
One Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving communities by building safe, secure cities of opportunity. Their comprehensive cause-minded community engagement programs unite, raise awareness and foster positive relationships between first responders and citizens living in the communities they serve and protect.