The City Council of Torrejón de Ardoz celebrated the Police Day with an emotional recognition event for the work of the agents and security forces, presided over by the mayor, Alejandro Navarro, and where Esperanza Aguirre was also distinguished for her collaboration with the Local Police Force by creating the BESCAM in 2004. The Police Day of Torrejón de Ardoz 2025 San Juan Bautista was celebrated on May 31st, in the incomparable setting of Parque Europa.
Torrejón de Ardoz, June 2, 2025. The Red Distinctive Professional Merit Cross was awarded to Esperanza Aguirre Gil de Biedma, former Minister of Education and Culture, the first woman to preside over the Spanish Senate and the first woman elected president of a Spanish Autonomous Community. Awarded for her invaluable collaboration with the Local Police Force and with Torrejón de Ardoz by creating the BESCAM in 2004, a security project of the Government of the Community of Madrid whose objective is to finance local police officers and which contributed to the improvement of citizen security in our city, incorporating 100 police officers into our staff, doubling the number of agents, thanks to this investment and the initiatives by the local Governments of Torrejón, it went from being one of the most unsafe cities in Spain to one of the safest. Also, thanks to Esperanza Aguirre, the city of Torrejón saw one of its greatest historical demands fulfilled by building and starting up the public hospital in the city.
The mayor highlighted «the great work that our Local Police Force did in helping many citizens affected by the DANA in Valencia, which was recognized by the mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, who, on behalf of the city of Turia, awarded the Professional Merit Cross to the Local Police of Torrejón de Ardoz for their help in those difficult times.» The police officers who voluntarily joined the contingents organized by our Headquarters were given a replica of the Professional Merit Cross medal from the city of Valencia that the Local Police of Torrejón de Ardoz received for their assistance during the DANA.
Additionally, recognition was given to police officers who had outstanding performances in the past year, receiving the White Distinctive Professional Merit Cross, Álvaro Martinez Garcia, a Local Police officer, for his outstanding intervention when, off-duty, he witnessed an attempted homicide while walking and chased the perpetrator with his dog, leading to the arrest of the suspect. This recognition was also given to Manuel Carballo Diaz, a Local Police sub-inspector, and Álvaro Barreiro Ortiz, a Local Police officer, who prevented the suicide of a person carrying a knife and threatening self-harm. In a moment of carelessness, they managed to disarm the person.
«Today is a day of celebration for the entire staff, experiencing their best moments of unity and camaraderie, with a great working atmosphere as conveyed to me by the agents. Therefore, the awarding of crosses for constancy in their various forms, Bronze for 15 years of service and Silver for 20 years of service, is of special significance. Thank you all for your constancy, loyalty, and fidelity to our Local Police,» said the mayor addressing the police officers at the event.
Additionally, the White Distinctive Professional Merit Cross was awarded to José Antonio Carballada, traffic post commander of the Civil Guard in Paracuellos del Jarama, in recognition of his collaboration with the Local Police of Torrejón de Ardoz, as well as to Apolinar Prado, chief inspector of the National Police. There were also distinctions to other entities for their collaboration with the city such as the Air Base of Torrejón de Ardoz, Local Police of Pozuelo de Alarcón, Local Police of Boadilla del Monte, Cavalry Squadron of Madrid, Voluntary Civil Protection Group of Torrejón de Ardoz, and Local Police of Valencia.
Police officers from different shifts were honored for their outstanding performance in carrying out their duties and demonstrating serenity and diligence when making decisions, as well as GEO, one of the canines in the canine unit, and SIBA, another 4-legged companion involved in rescue operations, who, along with Basilio Vigil, found one of our missing neighbors.
Alejandro Navarro Prieto told the police officers, «I want to emphasize that my commitment to you will remain steadfast, as you are essential to the daily life of our city. Therefore, I will continue to improve the working conditions of the staff, which will undoubtedly motivate us to strive for excellence and achieve our main goal of improving security and coexistence in Torrejón de Ardoz.»
Finally, this year the City Council of Torrejón and the Local Police Headquarters had a special remembrance and appreciation for all the people who have been part of the Local Police staff who are currently retired but will always be part of the history and memory of our City Council. Likewise, a special thanks to the civilian personnel and entities who have shown their commitment to the citizens and our Local Police.