The Day Austin Lost a Hero

On November 11th, 2023, Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a SWAT hostage rescue call in southeast Austin. Before the SWAT arrival, a heavily armed suspect had stabbed three of his family members. Despite the known danger, APD SWAT officers courageously proceeded to save the lives of the hostages. Tragically, two hostages died at the scene due to their injuries. Two SWAT officers were shot by the barricaded suspect during the rescue attempt. One officer was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Despite the efforts of his colleagues and the SWAT team medics, Jorge tragically succumbed to his wounds and lost his life that day.

The Jorge Pastore Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established to honor Jorge’s sacrifice and memory and to continue his legacy. The mission of the foundation is to enhance the lives and careers of first responders through training opportunities, wellness programs, and community engagement.  Jorge was passionate about training and fitness, and as a tribute to him, our 1st Annual Humble Warrior Games will be held at the beautiful Reveille Peak Ranch on Sunday, November 10th.  The Humble Warrior Games will host a 5K run and a Team Obstacle Course Challenge. Jorge’s wife, Kim, fondly referred to him as her humble warrior and would not hesitate to say that title applies equally to those who sacrifice for all of our safety daily.

The Jorge Pastore Foundation (JPF) will use the funds raised to achieve the long-term goal of constructing a state-of-the-art training facility in Central Texas. This facility will be the venue for various training programs. JPF has been diligently working towards this goal and is currently meeting the needs of first responders who want to attend training programs not covered by their departments. Since its inception, JPF has successfully organized three training sessions and one specialized out-of-state officer training. Jorge, a dedicated first responder, attended hundreds of hours of training and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. He took great pride in honing his skills and teaching others whenever possible. The Jorge Pastore Foundation aims to host meaningful tactical training courses in Central Texas regularly. Enhanced first responder training and improved access to meaningful training benefit everyone by enhancing the skills of officers and the safety of our community.

Jorge joined APD in 2019 after a full career as a firefighter and paramedic in Florida. He was a patrol officer in the Austin Henry and George sector while proudly serving in APD’s Honor Guard, Counter Assault Strike Team (CAST), Special Response Team (SRT), and the SWAT Gold Team.

Jorge was born in Glendale, CA, and moved to Florida as a child, where he discovered his passion for martial arts. He began teaching at 16 and later opened Champions for Life with his wife, Kim. Throughout his life, Jorge taught and mentored hundreds of children, most of whom consider him a real-life superhero and continue to aspire to be “just like Mr. Jorge.” He instilled the importance of leading by example, staying fit, and never limiting yourself.

In Florida, he spent ten years in the fire service as a firefighter, paramedic, and lieutenant. His passion for helping others and his desire to challenge himself led him to the Austin Police Department, where he became a police officer and fulfilled his dream of earning a position on the SWAT team. Throughout his career, Jorge was most proud of his service in the Honor Guard for both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and APD. He was fiercely loyal and protective of the people who were lucky enough to be loved by him. Tattooed on his chest was “Protect my Brothers, Everyone Goes Home.”

Jorge was deeply passionate about training, fitness, and helping others, which is the driving force behind the Jorge Pastore Foundation. His unparalleled work ethic, drive, and ambition continue to inspire officers to strive for the best version of themselves to this day. His energy, magnetism, and smile made him someone everyone gravitated toward, and he dedicated himself to making the city of Austin and the department better every day.

Let’s honor Jorge’s legacy by continuing to build on the foundation he established through his life of service and dedication.

We are excited to announce that STACCATO is our event sponsor this year and we look forward to an event that brings Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, Military, and Civilians together to celebrate Jorge’s life, legacy, and passion for fitness! Join us on Sunday, November 10th, at the beautiful Reveille Peak Ranch. You can walk or run the scenic 5K trail, put together a 4-person team for the Obstacle Course, or participate in both! Additional activities include a STACCATO shooting experience, fun tactical activities, a DJ, a Tattoo Artist, Bounce Houses, and more!

Visit www.jpastorefoundation.com for more information, as well as Humble Warrior Games to register.

Sponsorship opportunities are available upon request.