(From left) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith, Cherokee County game warden Brian Bearden and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Director Col. Grahame Jones attend the 15th annual Law Enforcement Division Awards ceremony on Oct. 18. Bearden was awarded the director’s lifesaving citation for his service during the Alto tornadoes in April.

A Cherokee County game warden was honored recently at a law enforcement awards ceremony for outstanding service rendered when tornadoes hit the Alto area in April.

Brian Bearden was awarded the director’s lifesaving citation at the 15th annual Law Enforcement Division Awards ceremony Oct. 18.

Bearden went to Caddo Mounds State Historical Area in Alto after two tornadoes hit the area. About 100 people were attending the Caddo Culture Day Celebration when the storms came in, according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department news release.

When the roads became impassable, Bearden took off on foot and found a good Samaritan who took him on an ATV to Caddo Mounds. Bearden gave aid to the attendees and coordinated helicopters and first responders, the release stated.

One person died from injuries and 40 were injured at the site, according to TPWD.

Fifteen Texas game wardens were recognized for their recent promotions and 37 others were recognized for acts of lifesaving and meritorious service at the ceremony, according to TPWD.

“I am extremely honored to work with these men and women who define and exemplify what it is to be a public servant,” said Col. Grahame Jones, TPWD law enforcement director. “I am also proud of our partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the communities we serve.”