SBPD LT. MILTON RESENDEZ
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
In San Benito, a nondescript, everyday stretch of highway connects the Resaca City and Rio Hondo. Yet for some, this stretch of road has become more than just a route from one point to another. It serves as a gripping reminder of a local hero—Lieutenant Milton Resendez, who gave his all in defense of his community.
It was late Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, when Officer Resendez of the San Benito Police Department [SBPD] made the ultimate sacrifice, protecting his community with unwavering courage. Honoring his bravery, State Rep. Janie Lopez has filed House Bill 1960, legislation that would designate a portion of State Highway 345 in San Benito as the Milton Resendez Memorial Highway.
Lopez, a native of San Benito, said, “Lieutenant Milton Resendez is a local hero that gave his life protecting his community. He acted selflessly, putting the safety of San Benito’s citizens above his own without hesitation. Lieutenant Resendez embodied the integrity, bravery, and heart of a dedicated public servant.
For these reasons and more, I knew this tribute was not only appropriate, but it was also necessary.”
The specific stretch of highway marks the resonant site of Resendez’s final act of bravery. Lopez explained, “As we travel along this road, it will serve as a lasting reminder of the ultimate sacrifice he made for his community. His courage and selflessness will forever be etched into the heart of San Benito.”
The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Texas House of Representatives. “We are currently awaiting a hearing for House Bill 1960, and I am confident it will move forward successfully,” Lopez stated. “Once the bill is heard, it will continue through the legislative process in the House. Following approval, it will proceed to the Senate for consideration. If passed by both chambers, it will then be presented to the governor for final signature into law.”
For Lopez, a San Benito native, bringing this tribute forward is deeply personal. “As a resident of San Benito, I am deeply honored to bring House Bill 1960 before the Texas House of Representatives. Through this legislation, the entire state of Texas now knows the name Milton Resendez and the courageous sacrifice he made in service to others. His legacy will not be forgotten—it will live on in the hearts of those he protected.”
As the highway’s name begins to take shape, Lopez expressed her hope for the community’s reaction: “When the community sees the name Milton Resendez on the stretch of Hwy. 345, I believe they will feel both grateful and blessed to have had such a courageous man serve on their police force. His name will forever remind the people of San Benito that law enforcement officers stand ready to protect and serve without hesitation. Lieutenant Resendez’s legacy is a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of those who wear the badge.”
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