White Settlement police Sergeant John Banner, 39, was honored this summer at the Texas State Capitol with the 2026 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Valor, presented by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Heroic incident
In November 2024, near the end of his shift, Banner responded to a suspicious white work van. Inside, an Oklahoma man brandished a handgun. Banner called for backup, distracted the suspect, and seized the weapon. He then discovered a large‑caliber rifle with a drum magazine and, after securing the suspect, uncovered bomb‑making materials and explosives in the van’s rear.
Federal agents from the FBI and ATF joined the investigation, confirming the suspect planned to murder his stepmother and father and to bomb a church that had not donated to him.
Previous acts of bravery
Banner’s record includes responding to a 2016 stabbing featured on “America’s Most Wanted” and intervening in the 2019 West Freeway Church of Christ shooting, where the gunman was neutralized by a volunteer security team.
In April, he rescued a mother and three young children from rising floodwaters on Western Hills Boulevard, guiding them to safety while first responders used jumper cables to pull the woman from the current.
Community recognition
Banner’s valor award earned him a spot in Fort Worth Report’s “52 Faces of Community” series, highlighting unsung local heroes. The series will select one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.
White Settlement Mayor Faron Young praised Banner, saying the city is “extremely proud” of his professionalism and timely actions that protect the community.
Personal background
A native of Mineral Wells, Banner earned a business degree from Tarleton State University. He joined the White Settlement Police Department 14 years ago, inspired by family members in law enforcement, including a great‑grandfather who served as a Texas Ranger.
Banner prefers 12‑hour overnight shifts, has turned down a promotion to lieutenant, and now mentors younger officers, emphasizing adaptability and continual learning.
Local impact
Patrolling a 5½‑square‑mile area that includes Loop 820, Interstate 30, and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Banner’s vigilant presence reassures residents that their safety is in capable hands.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
