SAN MARCOS, Texas — Actor and Austin native Glen Powell is remembering his close friend, fallen San Marcos Officer Justin Putnam.
Putnam, 31, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call in San Marcos on Saturday, April 18. Two of his fellow San Marcos Police Department officers were also critically injured. On May 12, The Texas Rangers have positively identified Jose Alfredo Perez DeLaCruz as the person who shot and killed Officer Justin Putnam and wounded Officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller.
On April 24, Powell took to Instagram to remember Putnam, one of his closest friends since childhood.
"Justin was a spark of joy. He was goofy, enthusiastic, fearless and loyal. Justin loved everyone and everyone loved him; he had an ability to make everyone feel like his best friend," Powell wrote. "It’s what made him a great officer. He was the type of guy you wanted to carry that badge."
You can read Powell's full message below:
"A week ago my friend, Officer Justin Putnam, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in San Marcos, Texas. He’d been one of my closest friends since I was eleven years old.
This past week I’ve been reflecting on our friendship, living in memories, watching old videos, and trying to sum up someone who marched alongside me in so many different chapters of my life and whose approach to life really helped define my own.
Justin was a spark of joy. He was goofy, enthusiastic, fearless, and loyal. Justin loved everyone and everyone loved him; he had an ability to make everyone feel like his best friend. It’s what made him a great officer. He was the type of guy you wanted to carry that badge.
But I can’t think of Justin without thinking of the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He would do just about anything for a good story or to make people laugh. I always found it truly hilarious that the guy who convinced me to break more laws as a teenager became a police officer. But it made sense because he was always a protector, of his family, his friends, and to anyone who needed help. He always said that being an officer gave him such happiness because every day he could come to the rescue of someone in need.
These are uncertain times that highlight the things we can take for granted. But more importantly the people we can take for granted. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but today please thank the men and women putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety.
I’ll miss you, JPut. See you on the other side."
RELATED:
Putnam leaves behind a fiancée and a family with a history in law enforcement.
Donations can be made to:
Family of Officer Justin Putnam
C/O Interim Police Chief Bob Klett
San Marcos Police Department
2300 S. Interstate 35
San Marcos, TX, 78666
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