Senior Officer Jorge Pastore Identified as Victim in Tragic South Austin Shooting Incident: Community Rallies to Support Fallen Hero

Accident – Death – Obituary News : AUSTIN (KXAN) — The quiet neighborhood in south Austin remains engulfed in a somber atmosphere as crime scene tape continues to surround the area where a dedicated Austin police officer lost his life over the weekend. The fallen officer has been identified as senior officer Jorge Pastore, whose unwavering commitment to upholding the law has left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the community he served.

The tragic incident unfolded during a Saturday morning SWAT standoff, which ended in the loss of two innocent lives, in addition to the suspect who succumbed to their injuries. At this time, the identities of the victims remain undisclosed, but the bravery and selflessness of the officers who responded to the scene are being hailed and commended.

Detective Bino Cadenas of the Austin Police Department (APD) expressed the profound impact Officer Pastore had on those around him, stating, “It has been a haunting and horrible experience. I had the pleasure of working with him in Henry Sector and served with him several times in downtown area command. He was just a force to be reckoned with.” The news of the shooting deeply affected Cadenas, who emphasized how Officer Pastore’s final actions epitomized his character, describing him as courageous, honorable, and dedicated to his duty.

As the chairman for Austin Cops for Charities, Cadenas is now spearheading efforts to provide immediate aid and support to Officer Pastore’s grieving family. Urgent needs, such as transportation arrangements for out-of-state relatives, accommodation in hotels, and funeral preparations, are being addressed by the organization. To facilitate assistance, a donation page has been established, and the community has already rallied together to contribute.

Tami Baker, a board member of Austin Cops for Charities, emphasized the importance of showing unwavering support for the police community. “Right now, the community in blue needs to know their community has their back, and I am seeing that,” she stated. The organization not only extends aid to Officer Pastore’s family but also offers emotional support to fellow officers who may be grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.

“This has been very tragic for his teammates, the people that saw what happened, they are having a hard time,” shared Cadenas, highlighting the profound impact the incident has had on the close-knit law enforcement community. In light of this, Cadenas and others are stepping up in any way they can to provide solace and support during this difficult period.

Officer Pastore’s heroic acts will forever be etched in the memory of those who knew him. His unwavering dedication to protecting and serving the community will be remembered as a testament to his character and the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day. If you wish to contribute to the cause, donations can also be made in person at the Austin Police Association office, with further details available on the Austin Cops for Charities website..