Aguilar is Frio’s Deputy of the Year

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | January 8, 2025

Also earns accolade for saving life

Frio County Sheriff’s Deputy Erik Aguilar was named the 2024 Deputy of the Year during a ceremony on Saturday, December 21.
Aguilar, a 2018 Pearsall High School graduate, joined the sheriff’s office upon graduation from the Southwest Texas Junior College Police Academy in December 2021.
“I was actually pinned by Peter [Salinas, former chief deputy, now sheriff] during my graduation from the academy,” Aguilar said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.
Chosen for the prestigious honor by his peers, the deputy noted that becoming a peace officer has been a childhood dream.

“When the cops would come to the school, I always was so into it,” Aguilar said. “I also knew Peter growing up and really looked up to him.”
Aguilar said as the years went on his desire to become a peace officer continued to grow and when he was 18, he went on a ride-along with former Deputy Bryan Jackson.
“I always had the interest and going on the ride-along was really interesting,” the deputy said. “I knew that becoming a cop was what I wanted to do.”

Not only did Aguilar receive the prestigious honor of being named deputy of the year, he was awarded the Life-Saving accolade for his bravery during a domestic violence call in 2024.
Aguilar recalls the grim day that he and his partner responded to the call on the south end of town that involved a man stabbing his brother-in-law several times.
“We showed up and I immediately placed a tourniquet on his arm and placed the suspect in handcuffs,” the deputy said.
Aguilar’s quick actions saved the man’s life.
Chosen from several nominees, Aguilar said he remains in shock at being selected for the accolade.
“A good handful of us were up for the award,” the deputy said. “I put in a lot of work as far as drug interdiction and doing PR for the county. I was shocked; it is a good feeling.”
Sheriff Salinas lauds Aguilar’s dedication to the department and describes the deputy as genuine.
“Deputy Aguilar has been a great addition to our staff,” Salinas said. “He has shown a true willingness to help all people of our community. He has excelled in every aspect of the job and it shows in the amount of positive feedback we have received from the people. This award was voted on and selected by his peers and co-workers. I am excited to see all his future successes.”