Star of Texas Award to be presented to Lieutenant Gregory Wade Pickard’s family
This photo provided by the City of Bryan shows Lt. Gregory Pickard, who died in the line-of-duty Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, during a lodge hall fire in Bryan, Texas, will posthumously receive the Star of Texas Award. ((AP Photo/City of Bryan) Photo: HOPD)
2013 Star of Texas Awards – Lieutenant Gregory Wade Pickard
Gregory Wade Pickard, 54, attended Italy Schools and was member of the Gladiator football team. On February 15, Gregory lost his life in the line-of-duty while fighting a fire inside the Knights of Columbus Hall on Groesbeck Street in Bryan. Gregory had been a member of Bryan Fire Department #5 for 32 years, ultimately serving as lieutenant.
Greg is survived by Susan, his devoted wife of 32 years; son, Jacob; daughter, Robin and husband, Michael Carpenter and three grandchildren, Caroline, Wade and Catherine.
In addition to being survived by his proud parents, Robert and Carla Pickard of Italy, Texas; brother, Barry Pickard and wife, Kristy of Maypearl; sister, Natalie Beck and husband, Gerald also of Maypearl; sister, Sharla Cleaver and husband, Alan of Waxahachie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gregory was a Gladiator, a loving husband, a caring father, a devout Christian and a hero.
The official letter from the governor’s office reads as follows:
2013 Star of Texas Awards – Lieutenant Gregory Wade Pickard
S t a t e o f T e x a s
O f f i c e o f t h e G o v e r n o r
Rick Perry
Governor
August 16, 2013
Susie Pickard
4601 Double Eagle Ct.
College Station TX 76661
Dear Mrs. Pickard,
In recognition of Lieutenant Gregory Wade Pickard’s sacrifice in the line of duty, it is my honor to notify you that he will posthumously receive a Star of Texas Award.
The Texas Legislature created the Star of Texas Awards to honor peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were killed or seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 1, 2003.
The State of Texas requests the honor of your presence as we recognize Lieutenant Pickard at the Star of Texas Awards ceremony on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. at the Shoreline Church, North Campus Sanctuary located at 15201 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78728.
The live ceremony can also be viewed online by going to http://www.shoreline.net/shoreline-tv/live/.
The Star of Texas Award will be presented to Lieutenant Pickard’s next of kin.
Warmest regards,
Christopher Burnett
Executive Director