Austin SWAT police officer Jorge Pastore has died in the line of duty during a shooting in South Austin. The Austin Police Department interim Chief Robin Henderson confirmed the officer’s death, emphasizing Pastore’s bravery and heroism in the face of danger.
Who is Jorge Pastore?
Jorge Pastore, a dedicated officer, joined the Austin Police Department in 2019 as a cadet, graduating in January 2020. He served on the honor guard and the SWAT Gold Team, showcasing his commitment to law enforcement excellence. Pastore leaves behind his wife, two stepsons, parents, and two sisters.
Interim Chief Henderson expressed the heaviness in her heart, calling for support for the Pastore family and the injured officer. The tragic incident unfolded during a SWAT standoff, initiated by a distress call reporting a stabbing. As the SWAT team entered the residence, a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued with the barricaded shooter, resulting in Pastore’s death and injuries to another officer.
This marks the first line-of-duty shooting and killing of an Austin police officer in approximately a decade. The devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, with former colleagues and leaders remembering Pastore as a dedicated and vibrant officer.
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Dennis Farris, former Austin police officer and president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, remembered Pastore’s “big personality” and emphasized the profound impact of his loss on the community. Ken Casaday, a former officer and union president, reflected on Pastore’s passion for policing, describing him as a “great person who loved being a cop.”
