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HOUSTON - A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) petty officer has been named grand marshal of the 2026 Houston Rodeo parade, commending him for saving over 160 children during the Texas flooding in July.
Houston Rodeo 2026 grand marshal: USCG PO Scott Ruskan
U.S. Coast Guard PO Scott Ruskan named grand marshal of Houston's 2026 Downtown Rodeo Parade (Photo credit: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
What we know:
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has named USCG Petty Officer Scott Ruskan as the grand marshal of the 2026 Downtown Parade.
According to the Rodeo's announcement, Officer Ruskan is a rescue swimmer who saved 165 children during the deadly July 4 flooding in Texas' Hill Country.
A July social media post from the U.S. Coast Guard Heartland says the flood was Officer Ruskan's first mission ever. He has since gained national recognition for his courageous rescues, including from the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security.
"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo proudly honors the men and women who protect our communities, often in the most dangerous situations imaginable," said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. "Petty Officer Ruskan represents courage, commitment and service at the highest level, and we are thrilled to welcome him as our 2026 grand marshal."
2026 Downtown Rodeo Parade
What's next:
The 2026 Houston Downtown Rodeo Parade officially launches the 2026 Rodeo season, which will run from March 2-22.
The parade is set to run on Saturday, February 28, 2026. It'll start at 10 a.m. after the Rodeo Run.
The Source: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, U.S. Coast Guard Heartland, the U.S. Homeland Security Committee.