Dallas County deputy constables Vincent DeLuna and Jonathan Banda were recognized Tuesday by the Dallas County Commissioners Court for their heroic actions during a deadly apartment explosion and fire last month in Oak Cliff.

Heroic Response

DeLuna and Banda received a standing ovation from commissioners and attendees for being the first law enforcement officers on the scene of the May 28 incident, which killed three people and injured others.

Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia presented a formal resolution to the deputies and their constable, commending them for moving toward the danger while other agencies were still working to evaluate the scene.

Body camera footage showed DeLuna going door-to-door at the complex next to the burning building, searching for residents and animals. He guided at least five dogs, including a large husky, to safety.

Banda worked to open a path for incoming emergency vehicles. A Waymo autonomous vehicle had stopped in the street, blocking a large fire engine from continuing down the block. Banda reached a Waymo dispatcher, took control of the vehicle, got inside, and moved it out of the way.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.