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(The SAPPOA is a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization.)

Officer Paul M. Pytel

On July 31, 1994, Paul M. Pytel became the first San Antonio Park Police officer to die in the line of duty. Pytel was 29 years old when he died while pursuing a fleeing murder suspect. The suspect was wanted in connection with a shooting earlier. Officer Pytel was a graduate of Burbank High School, a nine-year veteran of the Parks Department, served in the Department’s Honor Guard and was a field training officer and Bike Patrol officer.

He is survived by his wife, mother, father, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

On May 14, 1996,a city park was officially named for Officer Pytel who dedicated his life to keeping parks safe for the citizens of San Antonio.

Pytel Park  

6200 S. New Braunfels

Pytel Park includes picnic units and an exercise trail.

This is dedicated to the officers who by their brave and heroic acts gave the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens and the visitors of San Antonio.

Officer Israel Rosa

October 20, 1990, Police Officer Israel Rosa was gunned down with his own duty weapon in an East Side park. Police arrested then 17-year-old, Stacey Diamond Mitchell,who was out of jail on bond after being arrested on auto theft charges a day earlier. Officer Rosa stopped Mitchell after he was spotted driving a car that had been reported stolen.

Mitchell, after a 10-minute automobile chase that ended in a traffic accident, was arrested and taken into custody. Officer Israel Rosa survived the gunshot wound but was partially paralyzed, Stacey Diamond Mitchell, 17, has been charged with attempted capital murder in the shooting.