Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Release Date: October 27, 2022
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Board Recognizes MPD Officers' Commitment to Community

Today METRO’s Board of Directors honored several members of the METRO Police Department for going beyond the call of duty. 

In September, Officer Brian McDonough was approached by a Venezuelan immigrant who was stranded in Houston and needed help reuniting with his family in New York City. Guillermo Rodriguez had only $10 to his name before striking up a friendship with Officer McDonough.

With the help of Officers Jose Gonzalez, Noe Gonzalez, Brendon Hernandez, Julianna Moreno and Alexis Carvajales, the group raised enough funds for a bus ticket and provided him with clothes, a cell phone and other personal items for his trip.

"Each of you exemplifies the very best of METRO, and quite frankly, humanity," said President & CEO Tom Lambert during the meeting. "We thank you for that, and for your outstanding service."

The Board also acknowledged Officer Manojkumar Pooparayil who received an award from the South Indian U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding service. The award recognizes his selfless and tireless efforts toward inspiring greatness within the community.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in the region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.