Overview
- Local police conferred a gold medal on the entire citizenry for unity, courage and assistance during the October 2024 floods.
- Organizers said more than 900 officers from across Spain were decorated at the event, which drew over a thousand attendees from eleven regions, including 36 mayors.
- Paiporta formally recognized 23 Bilbao municipal officers, with Bilbao officials Amaia Arregi and Iñaki Elexalde present to thank the host city for the institutional gesture.
- Honors also went to Protección Civil personnel, municipal workers and the public firm ESPAI, while plaques were presented to World Central Kitchen and businessman Pipo Ridaura.
- Texaco station manager Óscar Benítez was cited for turning his site into an operations hub during rescues, and a minute of silence honored 56 local victims as a wreath recalled roughly 230 deaths regionwide; the Guardia Civil barracks remains under repair after severe damage.