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Prepared to Protect: La Joya ISD Officer Saves Student and Staff Member in Separate Emergencies
La Joya ISD
February 26, 2026
La Joya, TX - In moments where seconds matter most, preparation, courage, and decisive action can mean the difference between tragedy and hope. La Joya ISD is proud to recognize Officer Jose Villanueva for his swift and life-saving response during two separate medical emergencies at Leo J. Leo Elementary School.
On January 19, Officer Villanueva responded immediately to a choking incident involving a student during the lunch period. Just days later, on January 28, he once again sprang into action when a staff member experienced a separate choking emergency. In both situations, Officer Villanueva acted without hesitation, successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver and clearing the airways of the individuals involved.
“Officer Villanueva’s rapid response and professional training saved two lives,” said Leonardo Sanchez, La Joya ISD Police Chief. “His quick thinking and decisive action in both instances demonstrate the critical role our campus officers play every single day. We are grateful for his vigilance and proud to have him representing the La Joya ISD Police Department.”
Officer Villanueva’s actions reflect not only his expertise and preparedness, but also his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the La Joya ISD community. In high-pressure situations, he remained calm, focused, and resolute - embodying the very essence of what it means to serve and protect.
At Leo J. Leo Elementary, Officer Villanueva is more than a uniformed presence - he is a trusted member of the campus family. His actions underscore the critical role school-based law enforcement plays in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
“Officer Villanueva’s courage and readiness made all the difference,” said Irene Fernandez, Principal of Leo Elementary. “Our campus community is deeply thankful for his vigilance and the care he shows our students and staff every day.”
La Joya ISD remains steadfast in its commitment to campus safety, ensuring that trained professionals are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies of any kind. Officer Villanueva’s life-saving actions serve as a powerful reminder that preparedness, training, and heart matter - especially when every second counts.
La Joya ISD proudly commends Officer Jose Villanueva for his heroism and for exemplifying the district’s dedication to protecting and serving its students and staff.
La Joya ISD Police Department’s K9 Tarra to get donation of body armor
La Joya ISD Police Department, TX - K9 Tarra will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Tarra’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Meet Tram: La Joya ISD’s New K-9 Officer Boosting Campus Security Efforts
La Joya, TX - Campus safety efforts at La Joya ISD have been strengthened with the addition of a new four-legged officer to the district’s police force. The La Joya ISD Police Department recently introduced K9 Tram, a highly trained narcotics detection dog who will support safety and security initiatives across district campuses.
Tram, a nearly three-year old energetic Belgian Shepherd, Tram was originally bred in Poland and has completed more than a year of intensive law enforcement training. His certification in narcotics detection meets the rigorous standards required for police K9 units, making him a valuable asset in proactive campus safety operations.
Tram has been paired with Officer Christian Rosales, who will serve as his handler. The pair spent several weeks training together to develop the strong working bond essential for effective K9 teamwork. This partnership is built on trust, communication, and reliability - key elements for real-world response situations on school campuses.
“K-9 Tram brings a unique and specialized skill set that strengthens our positive approach to campus safety,” said Leonardo Sanchez, Chief of Police for La Joya ISD. “His training and partnership with Officer Rosales allows us to add another layer of protection for our schools while also fostering positive interactions with students and staff.”
Officer Rosales said the partnership is rooted in readiness and service. “This partnership is about more than enforcement - it is about teamwork, preparation, and being ready to serve when our schools need us most,” he said. “Tram is highly focused, eager to work, and I am honored to serve alongside him in keeping our schools safe.”
Together, Officer Rosales and Tram will assist with daily campus operations, special events, and districtwide safety initiatives. Their presence reinforces existing safety measures while serving as a visible reminder of the district’s ongoing commitment to secure learning environments.
The addition of the K-9 program reflects La Joya ISD’s continued investment in layered safety practices, modern campus design, and specialized resources that support prevention and preparedness. District leaders say these efforts ensure students and staff can focus on academic success in safe, supportive environments.
As K-9 Tram begins his service, the La Joya ISD Police Department looks forward to the positive impact this new partnership will have across the district - strengthening safety, building trust, and reinforcing the promise to protect the school community every day.
Top Dogs: La Joya ISD Police Department K-9s Earn First Place in Regional Competition
La Joya ISD
August 22, 2025
La Joya, TX – The La Joya ISD Police Department is celebrating a major victory after two of its K-9 units earned first place in the teams division of the 2025 Texas Narcotic Officer Association (TNOA) K-9 Competition.
Earning top recognition after competing against nine teams and a total of 18 K-9s from across South Texas, K-9 Lucky, along with handler Officer Christian Rosales, and K-9 Tarra, with her handler Officer Hector Garcia, stood out for their precision, skill and teamwork.
“Winning first place out of 18 competitors is a tremendous honor for our department,” said La Joya ISD Police Chief Leonardo Sanchez. “It reflects the hard work, discipline and dedication of our K-9s and their handlers, while also showing the community that the La Joya ISD Police Department is committed to excellence and safety, both in and out of our schools.”
The win spotlights the essential role K-9s play in school safety. From drug and contraband detection to enhancing security coverage and building positive relationships, K-9 units and their handlers support the safety and security of students and staff.
Chief Sanchez praised officers Rosales and Garcia – as well as Lucky and Tarra – for their dedication, patience and professionalism, noting that the strong bond between handler and dog is key to both competition success and everyday campus safety.
“We are very proud of our K-9s and their handlers” added Chief Sanchez. “Their dedication and skills play a vital role in keeping our schools safe while representing our department with excellence.”
La Joya ISD extends its deepest gratitude to Officers Garcia and Rosales – as well as to their K-9 partners – for their dedication, patience and professionalism. Their success brings honor to the department and further strengthens the district’s mission to maintain safe and secure learning environments.
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