On Monday, September 11, the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, Texas Governor Rick Perry awarded the 2006 Star of Texas Award to 49 first responders for heroic sacrifice in the line of duty.  Among those honored was Senior Officer Dave Dewain Erskine of the Austin Police Department.  On January 17, 2006, Motorcycle Officer Erskine was working traffic enforcement when he was involved in a traffic accident, causing severe damage to his shoulder, left knee, right thigh and crushing his right foot, requiring amputation.  The Star of Texas Award was created by the Texas Legislature in 2003 to honor Texas' first responders.  Awards are issued annually for each peace officer, firefighter, and emergency medical first responder who is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.  "On behalf of 23 million Texans, I offer the salute of a people forever in your debt," Perry said.  "As thousands of Texans who have had their prayers answered in their hour of need can testify, every peace officer, every fire fighter and every emergency medical team member has earned our respect and admiration."  Erskine is a 1982 graduate of Coleman High School.