'My heart is so full' | Humble Warrior Games honor fallen APD officer Jorge Pastore, support first responders

AUSTIN, Texas — Monday marks one year since Senior Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore was shot and killed during a hostage situation in South Austin.

On Sunday, Jorge Pastore's wife helped host the first ever Humble Warrior Games at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet County.

"I often referred to my husband as 'The Humble Warrior,'" said Kim Pastore.

Hundreds of people took part in the event, which included a 5K trail run and walk, an obstacle course team challenge and tactical interactive events like learning how to apply a tourniquet.

"That saying of, 'They give the shirt off their back,' was truly Jorge," said Kim Pastore.

The 38-year-old senior police officer joined Austin Police Department in 2019 after serving as a firefighter and paramedic.

Jorge Pastore earned a spot on the SWAT team, where he and Mike Castillo became close friends.

"Great guy," said Castillo. "He always did things for other people to make sure that things were the way they needed to be."

On Nov. 11, 2023, Jorge Pastore was shot and killed while responding to a SWAT call in South Austin.

Days later, nearly 7,000 people attended his funeral, which included a 16-mile procession .

"It was a blessing to know him," said Castillo. "It was an honor to call him friend. If he was here right now, he would invite you into the room, and within five minutes you would be his best friend."

In February, Kim Pastore created the Jorge Pastore Foundation. She wanted to honor her husband's legacy by supporting training and wellness programs for first responders.

"I really thought, 'What would Jorge want? How would he want to be remembered and his legacy continue?'" recalled Kim Pastore. "That would be through training, through taking care of one another, staying fit, staying well physically and mentally."

She added, "I feel very focused when I'm doing this, and it has truly saved me and been a part of my healing as well."

Proceeds from Sunday's event benefit that foundation and that mission.

"My heart is so full," said Kim Pastore. "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and love, and it's beyond my wildest dreams."

It's a show of support for those who put their life on the line and the families by their side.

"These are special human beings, and most people would not and could not do this job," said Kim Pastore.

Anyone interested in donating to the Jorge Pastore Foundation or getting involved with future events can visit jpastorefoundation.org .