Crime Stoppers of Houston’s 2025 Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon Delivers Powerful Tribute to Champions of Public Safety
HOUSTON, TX – Crime Stoppers of Houston proudly hosted its annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Hotel. The inspiring afternoon was a powerful and emotional tribute to individuals and organizations whose extraordinary dedication and service to public safety continues to make Houston and Texas safer for all.
From start to finish, the afternoon was filled with moving moments, heartfelt recognition, and critical call to actions. The luncheon opened with remarks from founding members of our new Young Professionals Board, Ryan Dumais, Kaleta Johnson, Whitney Lawson, all rising young professionals who are actively involved in the community. Their passion and commitment set a hopeful tone and highlighted the next generation of leadership in public safety.
Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious delivered a compelling address, sharing the organization’s growing statewide impact and its unwavering commitment to safety across Texas. She spoke of the critical role Crime Stoppers plays– not only in solving crimes through its trusted Tip Line – but in preventing violence through education, advocacy, and outreach in schools and communities.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire brought the room to its feet with a rousing speech that emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility by all public officials, dignitaries, victim advocates and community leaders.
Following the luncheon, the celebration continued with a deeply moving awards ceremony, during which each honoree was presented by a surprise guest uniquely connected to their work and impact – adding a profound layer of meaning and resonance to the recognition. One of the most emotional moments of the program came during the presentation of The Johnny Klevenhagen Award to K-9 Rocky of the U.S. Marshals Service, a 1- and 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois who was recognized for his heroic efforts at apprehending suspect Robert Lee Davis earlier this year. Davis tragically took the life of Brazoria County Deputy Sheriff Jesus “Jesse” Vargas. The room observed a solemn moment of silence in memory of the life and service of Sheriff Deputy Vargas.
The event culminated with a closing award presentation by beloved Houston Media Icon Dave Ward, whose longtime support of Crime Stoppers and heartfelt delivery brought joy and applause. Ward presented the Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award to Shelby Hodge, a moment that served as both a celebration of excellence and a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling in advancing public safety.
The 2025 Houston’s Heroes honorees, recognized for their outstanding commitment and service, include:
- The Johnny Klevenhagen Award – K9 Rocky, U.S. Marshals Service. Award given by Tena Faust and Tama Lundquist.
- The Fenner Weller Award – April Aguirre. Award given by Andy Kahan.
- The Leiv Platou Award – Deborah Duncan, KHOU-TV, Great Day Houston. Award given by Brigitte Kalai and Alicia Smith.
- The Corporate Citizen Award – Lisa and Michael Holthouse, Holthouse Foundation for Kids. Award given by Rania Mankarious.
- The Safe School Award – Justin J. Watt Foundation
- The Women Who Shape Houston Award – Frances Moody Buzbee. Award given by Sheridan Williams.
- Partner of the Year Award – Jordan Seff and Vanessa Ames. Award given by Dylan Seff and Chuck Ames.
- The Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award – Shelby Hodge, PaperCity Magazine. Award given by Dave Ward.
“Honoring Houston Heroes is more than a tradition – it’s a celebration of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication,” said Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious. “This year’s honorees represent what is best about our city and state. Whether it’s a brave K9, a visionary leader, or an advocate who’s been quietly moving mountains, each of them reminds us that real heroes walk among us.”
Wednesday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous sponsors, including Safety Partners Frances Moody Buzbee, Jordan Seff and Vanessa Ames; Safety Champions Advanced Body Scan of Houston, Amerapex, Innovative Legal Solutions, Brigitte & Bashar Kalai/Alicia & Lance Smith, Strake Foundation; Safety Supporters Stacy & Jason Johnson / MetroNational, Tena & Tyson Faust and Tama Lundquist & Dr. Peter Farrell; Safety Friends CenterPoint Energy, Houston Police Officers’ Union, Meg and Dick Weekley, PPI Security, Scott and Lindsay Aronstein / Connectivity Source, Sheridan & John Eddie Williams, Susan and Jim Baker and Whitney Lawson; Friends Patricia and Tom Ritter, and United Protective Services.
Among supporters were Crime Stoppers Chairman Chris Massey, Ingrid Moody, Tony Buzbee, Steve and Natalie Mohtashami, Brooke Lee, Tyson Faust, Shafik Rifaat, Patricia and Tom Ritter, Robert Arriaga, Lindsay and Scott Aronstein, Michelle Heinz, Kim Ogg, Ricardo Nazario, Mayte Sera Weitzman, Sandra Smith Cooper, Russell Molina, Chief Tony Leal (Retired), Lilac Guzman, Amber Elliott and many more.
Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare; Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Amy Peck; Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz; Houston Council Members Sallie Alcorn, Twila Carter, Willie Davis, Mario Castillo, Fred Flickinger, and Julian Ramirez; Piney Point Village Mayor Aliza Dutt; Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Judges Emily DeToto, Beverly Armstrong, Lori Chambers Gray, Maritza Antu, Tonya McLaughlin, Brad Hart and Chad Bridges; and members of the Houston Police Officer’s Union Douglas Griffith, Kenneth Nealy, Rhonda Williams, Tim Whitaker, and Terry Seagler.
Proceeds from the luncheon will directly benefit Crime Stoppers of Houston’s year-round crime prevention and public safety programming, helping to fuel their mission of solving and preventing serious crimes through innovative, community-driven initiatives.
For nearly 45 years, Crime Stoppers of Houston has led the charge in solving and preventing serious crime. From its renowned Tip Line (713-222-TIPS) to its comprehensive safety education initiatives, the organization reaches millions through its Safe School Institute, Safe Community Institute, Victim Services & Advocacy Program, The Glenda Gordy Research Center, and The Balanced Voice Podcast.
This year, through its Million for Million Campaign, Crime Stoppers is committed to reaching one million students and families with vital safety resources – empowering communities across Texas with the tools to prevent violence before it occurs.
For more information, visit www.crime-stoppers.org.
Posted by on 17 Apr 2025