OUR HEROES
Please take a moment to join us in remembering those first responders who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Jorge Pastore | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: November 11, 2023
Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore was shot and killed during a hostage barricade at 9308 Bernoulli Drive at about 4:10 am.
Patrol officers had initially responded to the residence for a domestic violence call involving a stabbing shortly before 3:00 am. Arriving officers located an injured victim outside of the home and learned there were two more injured victims inside. As the officers attempted to enter the home to rescue the victims the subject inside opened fire, causing the officers to retreat.
The agency’s SWAT team arrived at the scene and attempted a hostage rescue at about 4:30 am. The subject opened fire on the SWAT team, fatally wounding Officer Pastore and wounding a second officer. The officers returned fire, killing him. The other two victims were also found deceased inside the home.
Officer Pastore had served with the Austin Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, two stepsons, and parents.
Joshua Clouse | Cameron Police Department
End of Watch: May 11, 2023
Sergeant Josh Clouse was shot and killed by a subject as he and other officers executed a search warrant. The subject inside of the home was wanted for shooting his wife during a domestic violence incident earlier in the night. As officers with the Cameron Police Department and several neighboring agencies attempted to execute the warrant, the man opened fire, fatally wounding Sergeant Clouse. Other officers returned fire and killed the subject.
Sergeant Clouse was a U.S. Army veteran and previously served with the Milam County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Travis Maher | Austin Fire Department
Last Call: December 28, 2022
Battalion Chief Travis Maher died after a battle with cancer contracted in the line of duty. He was a 23-year veteran of Austin Fire Department and served for 21 years as a member of Texas A&M Task Force 1. He deployed more than 40 times as a member of the task force, including responding to Ground Zero following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Travis is survived by his wife, two sons, and his parents.
Anthony Martin | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: September 23, 2022
Senior Patrol Officer Anthony Martin was killed in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of State Highway 29 and RM 1869 in Liberty Hill at 6 am.
Officer Martin was traveling westbound on State Highway 26 when a vehicle traveling eastbound attempted to turn left and struck the police motorcycle. Officer Martin died at the scene.
Officer Martin was a United States Air Force Security Forces veteran and had served with the Austin Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, granddaughter, and parents.
Jeffrey Richardson | Poteet Police Department
End of Watch: June 29, 2022
Officer Jeffrey Richardson was directing traffic around overnight construction near The Domain, in Austin, when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. While Jeffrey was employed with Poteet Police Department, he was working a secondary assignment at the time. He served in law enforcement for nine years and is survived by his wife and five children.
Jonathon Coco | Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department
Final Call: June 20, 2022
Assistant Chief Jonathon Coco was killed in the line of duty on June 20, 2022, when the brush truck he was riding in with his brother, Hunter Coco, was involved in a rollover accident. The brothers were returning from a wildfire on Texas Highway 20, outside of Lockhart, around 2:00 in the afternoon, when a car failed to yield the right of way. Both brothers were killed in the incident.
Jonathon is survived by his immediate family.
Hunter Coco | Maxwell Community Volunteer Fire Department
Final Call: June 20, 2022
Firefighter Hunter Coco was killed in the line of duty on June 20, 2022, when the brush truck he was riding in with his brother, Jonathon Coco, was involved in a rollover accident. The brothers were returning from a wildfire on Texas Highway 20, outside of Lockhart, around 2:00 in the afternoon, when a car failed to yield the right of way. Both brothers were killed in the incident.
Hunter is survived by his immediate family.
Andy Traylor | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: July 31, 2021
Senior Police Officer Andy Traylor succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle crash three days earlier while responding to an emergency call for service at about 2:10 am.
He was traveling on FM 969 when a tractor-trailer attempted to make a U-turn in front of him at Decker Lane. Officer Traylor was unable to avoid a collision and his patrol car became pinned beneath the trailer. He was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital. He remained on life support and passed away on July 31st, 2021, after his organs were donated.
Officer Traylor was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Austin Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and five children.
John Rhoden | Bell County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: April 26, 2020
Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips during a vehicle pursuit of a stolen car.
The pursuit had started in Williamson County and proceeded into Bell County along I-35 at about 1:40 am. Deputy Rhoden was preparing to deploy the spike strips near Exit 294 when he was struck by a tractor-trailer.
Deputy Rhoden had served with the Bell County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. He is survived by his parents.
Justin Putnam | San Marcos Police Department
End of Watch: April 18, 2020
Police Officer Justin Putnam was shot and killed when he and other officers responded to a domestic assault incident at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Hunter Road at about 7:00 pm.
As the officers entered the apartment they were ambushed by a male subject with a rifle. Officer Putnam was killed and two other officers were critically wounded.
The subject committed suicide after shooting the officers.
Officer Putnam had served with the San Marcos Police Department for 5-1/2 years. He is survived by his loving fiance and parents.
Christopher Korzilius | Travis County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: March 18, 2020
Senior Deputy Christopher Korzilius was killed in a vehicle crash in the 7700 block of RM 2244 at 6:50 am.
His unmarked department vehicle was struck by an oncoming vehicle that had veered into his lane. His vehicle overturned, trapping him inside. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Deputy Korzilius had served with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for four years and was assigned to the VICE Unit. He is survived by his loving partner, Bethany, and his parents.
Chris Askew | Westlake Fire Department
Last Call: May 12, 2019
Westlake Fire Lieutenant Chris Askew was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer, contracted through years of firefighting service. The disease took his life in a matter of weeks.
Chris served the citizens of the Westlake area for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Devon Coney | Austin Fire Department
Last Call: June 26, 2018
Austin Fire Department Cadet Devon Coney collapsed during training exercises due to an unknown medical condition. He was transported to the hospital, where he passed away on June 26. Devon was a civilian employee with the department for four years before enrolling in the academy. He is survived by his parents and five-year-old son.
Charles Whites | Round Rock Police Department
End of Watch: April 27, 2018
Police Officer Charles Whites succumbed to injuries sustained on February 25th, 2018, while directing traffic around the scene of fatal accident on I-35 near Round Rock Avenue. A vehicle being operated by a drunk driver struck him, causing him to suffer severe injuries. Officer Whites was transported to a local hospital where he remained in grave condition until succumbing to his injuries on April 27th, 2018. The driver who struck him was initially charged with intoxication assault. Officer Whites had served with the Round Rock Police Department for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and stepson.
Kenneth Copeland | San Marcos Police Department
End of Watch: December 4, 2017
Officer Kenneth Copeland was shot and killed while he and other officers attempted to serve a warrant on a man wanted for a crime of violence. The officers were ambushed outside the man’s home in San Marcos and Officer Copeland, who was wearing a vest, was struck multiple times. He was transported by patrol car to Central Texas Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. The subject who shot him surrendered following a brief standoff with members of the regional SWAT team.
Officer Copeland previously served with the U.S. Coast Guard and had been with the San Marcos Police Department for 19 years. His death marks the first time in the department’s history that an officer was killed in the line of duty.
Ken is survived by his wife and four children.
Thomas Nipper | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: November 4, 2017
Senior Trooper Thomas Nipper was killed in a vehicle crash while conducting a traffic stop on southbound I-35, near Midway Drive, in Temple. He was sitting in his patrol car during the stop when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The impact caused the patrol car to strike the stopped vehicle and Trooper Nipper. He was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. Trooper Nipper had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for almost 35 years and served in law enforcement for 43 years. He had previously served with the Nolanville Police Department, Hereford Police Department, Coryell County Sheriff’s Office, Belton Police Department, and Gainseville Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Lori Pohanka-Kalama | Morgan's Point Resort Police Department Dive Team
End of Watch: April 16, 2017
Lori Pohanka-Kalama was a diver with the Morgan’s Point Resort Police Department Dive Team. On April 16, 2017, she was assisting with a search for a missing person presumed lost in flood waters when she was trapped in an underwater hole for 15 minutes. After being rescued, she was transported to the hospital where she passed away. Lori is survived by her husband and two children.
Amir Abdul-Khaliq | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: September 4, 2016
On Sunday, September 4, 2016, Austin Police Department Senior Police Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier in a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Burnet Road and Ohlen Road, in Austin. On Thursday, September 1, He was providing an escort for a funeral and was attempting to reach the next intersection when a car attempted to turn left through the procession. The car pulled directly into his path, causing him to strike it. He was transported to university Medical Center Brackenridge with multiple life-threatening injuries, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries. The driver who caused the crash was cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
Officer Abdul-Khaliq was a United States Marine Corps veteran and served with the Austin Police Department for 17 years. He is survived by his five children.
Jeffrey Radford | Bell County Constable, Pct 3
End of Watch: October 28, 2015
Deputy Constable Jeffrey Radford was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Lucious McCelvey Drive and NW HK Dodgen Loop, in Temple, shortly before 7:00 pm. He was returning to Temple after serving papers in Troy when official believe he suffered a heart attack and his department vehicle collided with another car. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
He served the Bell County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3, for two years.
Christopher Kelley | Hutto Police Department
End of Watch: June 22, 2015
Detective Sergeant Christopher Kelley was struck and killed by a subject who has just stolen a patrol car following a struggle as officers attempted to arrest him. The subject had fled on foot after officers attempted to make a traffic stop on Herrera Trail, in Hutto, at approximately 10:00 am. The man ran over a fire hydrant and then fled on foot. Sergeant Kelley located the man and began to struggle with him. The subject broke free, entered an unmarked patrol vehicle, and tried to drive away. He struck Sergeant Kelley and dragged him a short distance as he continued to flee. The subject was arrested a short time later and is currently awaiting trial.
Sergeant Kelley was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Hutto Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Kristin McLain | STARFlight
End of Watch: April 27, 2015
STARFlight Nurse Kristin McLain was killed during a rescue in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. STARFlight responded at approximately 8:25 pm to a rescue of a woman who had fallen the Barton Creek Greenbelt, near the 2600 block of Barton Hills Drive. When they arrived, firefighters and paramedics decided to remove her from the Greenbelt by placing her on a hoist attached to the helicopter. At approximately 9:50 pm, Kristin McLain was helping hoist the woman into the EC-145 helicopter when she fell and died.
McLain became a nurse in 2001 and served with STARFlight for 7 years. She is survived by her husband.
Jessica Hollis | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: September 19, 2014
Senior Deputy Jessica Hollis drowned after her patrol car washed away as she checked roadways for high water during a period of heavy rain at 1:50 am. She was driving in the area of Fritz Hughes park Road and Low Water Crossing Road, upstream of Lake Austin, when her patrol car was washed into the river. She was able to radio dispatchers that her vehicle was being swept away. Her patrol car was located approximately 15 minutes later, but she was not with it. The car was recovered from the water later in the day. Deputy Hollis’ body was recovered from Lake Austin on September 19, 2014.
Senior Deputy Hollis served with the Travis Counnty Sheriff’s Office for seven years and was a member of the agency’s Dive Team. She is survived by her husvand and one son. Deputy Hollis’s husband serves with the Austin Police Department.
Lee Dixon | Little River Academy Police Department
End of Watch: June 19, 2014
Chief of Police Lee Dixon was shot and killed after responding to reports of a man with a gun at a home near the intersection of Main and Allison Streets shortly after 5:00 pm.
After arriving at the scene he requested backup from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to a second unit arriving the subject opened fire on him, fatally wounding him. Responding deputies arrested the subject. On June 15, 2016, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Chief Dixon had rejoined the Little River-Academy Police Department one month prior after serving with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He had previously served with the department for two years. He is survived by his wife.
Clay Crabb | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 16, 2013
Lieutenant Clay Crabb was killed in an automobile collision U.S. Highway 290, near Sawyer Ranch Road in Hays County, while en route to check low water areas during a period of flooding. His patrol car hydroplaned, slid into oncoming traffic, and was struck by a large pickup truck.
Lieutenant Crabb served with the Austin Police Department for 15 years and previously served with the San Angelo Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and three children. He was killed the day before his 43rd birthday.
Jaime Padron | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: April 6, 2012
Senior Police Officer Jaime Padron was shot and killed after responding to a Walmart store on the IH-35 Frontage Road to investigate reports of an intoxicated man who was shoplifiting at approximately 2:30 am. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Padron spoke with two employees and then tried to stop the man as he attempted to leave the store. The subject immediately attempted to flee on foot but was tackled by Officer Padron and they both fell ot the ground. During the ensuing struggle, the man produced a small handgun from his pocket, shot Officer Padron in the vest and neck, and then fired at teh store emplyeed.
Two Walmart employees tackled the subject and held him down, using Officer Padron’s radio to notify dispatchers of the shooting. They held the man down until responding units arrived and placed him under arrest. Officer Padron succumbed to his wounds at the scene. On February 21, 2014, Officer Padron’s killer was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.
Officer Padron was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served with the Austin Police Department for three years. He had previously served with the Austin Airport Police Department and the San Angelo Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by two daughters and his parents.
A memorial to Senior Police Officer Jaime Padron stands at 12900 N IH-35, in Austin.
Kevin Aigner | Travis County Constable's Office, Pct 2
End of Watch: September 10, 2011
Corporal Kevin Aigner passed away while assisting residents in an area devastated by a wildfire. He was working on Wharton Cove when he began to have trouble breathing. He was flown to Seton medical Center, where he later died.
Corporal Aigner served with the Travis County Constable’s Office for 12 years and in law enforcement for a total of 15 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, parents, and two sisters.
Leonard Reed | Cedar Park Police Department
End of Watch: August 10, 2010
Officer Leonard Reed was killed in a motorcycle accident on Arrow Point Road. He had just completed a traffic stop when his motorcycle struck a curb, causing him to be thrown to the ground. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to internal injuries a short time later.
Officer Reed served with the Cedar Park Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Jimmy Carty, Jr | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: May 27, 2005
Trooper Jimmy Ray Carty succumbed to head injuries sustained one week earlier while attending training at the agency’s academy. He sustained the head injury while participating in an arrest and controlled tactics drill.
Trooper Carty served with the Texas Highway Patrol for only a few months and had previously served with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife, three children, two sisters, and his parents.
Amy Donovan | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 31, 2004
Officer Amy Donovan was killed when she was accidentally struck by a police cruiser during a foot chase. At approximately 10:48 pm, Officer Donovan and her partner observed a suspicious person walking on the 1300 block of Poquito Street. Officer Donovan got out of the car to talk to the man and he began running. Officer Donovan began to chase the suspect and her partner put the patrol car in reverse to block the man’s escape route. During the chase, the patrol car struck Officer Donovan and pinned her next to a utility pole. She was taken to Brackenridge Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries at approximately 2:00 am.
The suspect who fled was apprehended later in the week and it was discovered he had a parole revocation warrant. After agreeing to a plea deal, the suspect was sentenced to 4.5 years for drug charges. In March 2012, the man responsible for Officer Donovan’s death was murdered in Austin.
Officer Donovan served with the Austin Police department for five months. She is survived by her husband and four children.
A memorial to Officer Amy Donovan is located at 812 Springdale Road.
Earl Hall | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: March 4, 2002
Sergeant Earl Hall suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after responding to a burglary alarm in the downtown area of Austin. After determining the call was a false report, Sergeant Hall and his partner returned to the station to attend a meeting. Sergeant Hall collapsed during the meeting and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died approximately one hour later.
Sergeant Hall served with the Austin Police Department for 21 years. He previously served with the Orange Police Department for 3.5 years and the University of Texas at Austin Police Department for 4.5 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Clinton Hunter | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: November 29, 2001
Officer Clinton Hunter was struck and killed by a suspect during a vehicle pursuit. Another officer had observed the suspect vehicle driving erratically southbound on IH-35. When he attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled and left the officer on a chase. The vehicle exited the highway and re-entered northbound. Officer Hunter was deploying stop sticks when the driver struck him and his patrol unit. Officer Hunter was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver was also injured in the accident and was taken into custody. The man was sentenced to life as a result of Officer Hunter’s death.
Officer Hunter served with the Austin Police Department for 14 months and is survived by his wife and daughter.
A memorial to Officer Clinton Hunter is located at 11215 S IH-35 (northbound frontage road), in Austin.
Keith Ruiz | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: February 15, 2001
Deputy Sheriff Keith Ruiz was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant. Deputy Ruiz’s unit was working with the Capital Area Narcotics Task Force. As the officers attempted to enter the mobile home, they identified themselves and the suspect immediately opened fire, striking Deputy Ruiz in the chest between two panels on his vest. Another deputy returned fire, wounding the suspect. Deputy Ruiz was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was charged with capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Ruiz served with the Travis County Sheriff’s department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
David Furrh | Gonzales County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: December 6, 2000
Sergeant David Furrh was shot and killed while participating in a warrant search of a home in a neighboring county. Sergeant Furrh and officers from several agencies were serving the warrant when the incident took place. As the officers approached the residence, the suspect inside stuck a .38 caliber handgun through a crack in the front door and fired approximately five rounds, striking Sergeant Furrh, who was not wearing a vest. The suspect, who had twice served jail time for two separate murders, was taken into custody at the scene. The man was sentenced to three life sentences plus 20 years.
Sergeant Furrh served in law enforcement for 17 years and was employed by the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Department for four years. he is survived by his wife, three children, two sisters, and his parents.
Randall Vetter | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: August 7, 2000
Tooper Randall Vetter died from a gunshot wound he received four days earlier while conducting a traffic stop. Trooper Vetter had stopped a 72-year old driver for not wearing a seatbelt. While he was siting in his patrol car, the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire with a rifle. Vetter was able to return fire but did not hit the suspect before being struck in the head.
The suspect used the patrol car’s radio to say he shot the officer and then attempted to flee the scene. An off-duty officer, who was passing by, witnessed the shooting and alerted other officers. The suspect was then taken into custody after a brief standoff on the roadway. The suspect was known to local officers for claiming he would shoot any officer who tried to write him a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, where he died in 2008.
Trooper Vetter served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for six years. He is survived by his wife and one son.
William Jones, Sr. | Austin Park Police
End of Watch: May 28, 2000
Officer William Jones was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop at Zilker Park. Officer Jones was speaking with the driver of the vehicle when the driver opened fire, striking him in the chest twice an the neck once. Officer Jones, who was not wearing a vest, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect fled the scene but was spotted several hours later near Houston, approximately 150 miles away. After a short chase, the suspect committed suicide. He had already served time in prison and was currently wanted by another jurisdiction for sexual assault.
Officer Jones served with the Austin Park Police Department for three years and is survived by his wife and three children.
A memorial to Officer William Jones is located at 600 BLK Robert E. Lee Road.
Drew Bolin | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: June 2, 1995
Officer Drew Bolin was killed when he was struck by a drunk driver. He was walking towards his cruiser on IH-35 when the driver, with a .16 BAC, struck him after driving through a line of flares and around his cruiser. The driver was convicted of intoxicated manslaughter in, in 2000, was denied parole.
Officer Bolin is survived by his parents and fiance.
Carlos Warren | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: March 5, 1991
Trooper Carlos Warren was shot and killed when he interrupted an abduction in progress at a rural highway rest area on Highway 71 near Del Valle, Texas. He was shot in the neck. The suspect fled the scene but was later stopped in San Antonio, Texas, for not wearing his seatbelt. He opened fire on the officer who stopped him and was wounded by the officer’s return fire. He was convicted of Trooper Warren’s murder and sentenced to prison. He was denied parole in 2008.
Trooper Warren served with the Texas Highway Patrol for five years and was assigned to Region 6. He previously served as a special agent with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command for seven years. He is survived by his parents, two daughters, and three brothers.
William Redman | Travis County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: February 20, 1991
Travis County Corrections Officer William Redman was beaten to death on February 20, 1991, during an altercation in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Jose Flores and Ernest Perez were tried and convicted for his murder.
Robert Martinez, Jr. | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: February 25, 1989
Officer Martinez was killed in an accident when his patrol car hit a tree. He was responding to a shots-fired call when a vehicle entered an intersection in front of him. He swerved to avoid the vehicle and struck the tree. At the time of the collision, Officer Martinez was working the last hour of his last shift before a scheduled transfer to Walking Beat.
A memorial to Officer Robert Martinez is located at 201 Chicon, in Austin.
Robert Wright | Williamson County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: August 6, 1985
Sergeant Wright was killed in an automobile while assisting Austin Police pursue an escapee. His patrol car left the roadway on a curve and struck a tree.
Sergeant Wright was posthumously promoted to Sergeant of Patrol and Criminal Investigation Division the following day. He had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and two daughters.
David Nelson | Travis County Constable, Pct. 3
End of Watch: May 20, 1985
Around 6:00 a.m. on May 3, 1985, Chief Deputy Constable David E. Nelson was traveling in 5500 block of U.S. Highway 290 in the Oak Hill community heading to Lake Travis to serve some civil papers. A large flatbed tractor trailer backed out of a parking lot. Nelson did not react fast enough and collided with the truck. He was taken to Brackenridge Hospital where he died from his injuries at 2:25 a.m. on May 20, 1985. He was 7 days short of his 60th birthday. Nelson was survived by his wife, two sisters, and two brothers. He was buried in the Capital Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Austin.
Charles Lacey | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: November 5, 1982
Deputy Charles Lacey was shot in the throat by a man he discovered sexually assaulting a woman in a car on February 18, 1981. The man had murdered two other people earlier in the day before abducting the woman. He had pulled over on the side of the road and was attempting to assault her when Deputy Lacey pulled up behind them. The man immediately drove away but was stopped by Deputy Lacey approximately one mile away. When Deputy Lacey contacted the driver he was immediately shot. The wound paralyzed him from the neck down and he died on November 5, 1982, from complications of the wound. The woman was able to escape when the man stopped for gas later in the day. The subject was convicted of attempted capital murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Deputy Lacey was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. He served with Travis County Sheriff’s Office for four years and previously served with the Austin Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife.
William Laws Jr. | Cedar Park Police Department
End of Watch: December 20, 1979
Officer Laws was struck and killed by a vehicle while assisting with traffic control at the scene of an accident at the intersection of Highway 183 and RR 620. He was struck by a car whose driver disregarded directions given by other deputies at the scene.
Lee Smith | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: December 15, 1979
Officer Smith succumbed to injuries received in a motorcycle accident on the Mopac Freeway after his steering failed due to a defective part. He began to recover from his injuries but several months after the accident suddenly died as a result of them. A memorial for Officer Lee Smith is located at 715 E 8th Street.
James Dalrymple | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: June 5, 1978
Sergeant Dalrymple was killed in an automobile accident during a narcotics investigation. He was stationed in Austin and had been with the agency for 22 years.
Ralph Ablanedo | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: May 18, 1978
Officer Ralph Ablanedo was shot and killed with an automatic rifle during a traffic stop. After ticketing the driver of the car he began to run a check on the male passenger. During the check, the man opened fire with an AK-47, penetrating Officer Ablanedo’s vest. The suspect was arrested a short time later and was sentenced to death in 1999. The suspect was executed on June 15, 2010. Officer Ablanedo is survived by his wife and two sons. A memorial to Officer Ralph Ablanedo is located at 900 Block E. Live Oak Street.
Leland Anderson | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: June 6, 1975
Officer Leland Anderson was killed when he was attacked by three men at the intersection of 8th Street and Congress Avenue. Officer Anderson had observed one of the subjects selling papers and had stopped to check if he was in compliance with City ordinances. When Officer Anderson attempted to arrest one of the men on outstanding traffic warrants, a fight ensued. One of the subjects gained control of Officer Anderson’s gun and shot him. Despite Officer Anderson’s bulletproof vest, one bullet entered between the front and rear panel and penetrated his chest. The subjects were arrested following a pursuit in which gunfire was exchanged.
Walter Eckert | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: June 4, 1975
Deputy Walter Eckert succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained eight years earlier. He and Deputy Benjamin Berry were shot as they attempted to serve a warrant on a man for writing bad checks. The deputies entered the man’s residence after being told by a neighbor that the man was inside of the home. The suspect opened fire on the deputies with an M-1 carbine, striking Deputy Berry in the chest and Deputy Eckert in the hip and calf. Deputy Eckert returned fire but did not strike the suspect. The man was arrested and sentenced to 99 years in prison but released after serving only 13 years.
Patrick Randel | Texas Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: October 23, 1974
Agent Randel was shot and killed during an undercover drug buy. He was attempting to purchase amphetamine pills when other officers lost contact with him. The other officers stopped the two suspects and then found Agent Randel shot to death in the front seat of his unmarked vehicle. One of the suspects was executed in 1985 and the second suspect had his sentence commuted to life. Agent Randel was survived by his wife and three children.
Thomas Birtrong | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: August 23, 1974
Officer Thomas Birtong was killed in a traffic collision at 15th and Trinity Street while responding to an officer’s call for assistance. Officer Birtong’s patrol car was operating “Code 3” – lights flashing and siren on-when the collision occurred. Memorial located on the Northeast corner of 15th and Trinity, in Austin.
Benjamin Berry | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: February 1, 1967
Deputy Berry was shot and killed as he and Deputy Walter Eckert attempted to serve a warrant on a man for writing bad checks. The deputies entered the man’s residence after being told by a neighbor that the man was inside of the home. The suspect opened fire on the deputies with a M-1 carbine, striking Deputy Berry in the chest and Deputy Eckert in the hip and calf. Deputy Eckert returned fire but did not strike the suspect. The man was arrested and sentenced to 99 years in prison but released after serving only 13 years. Deputy Berry is survived by his wife and son.
Billy Speed | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: August 1, 1966
Officer Billy Speed was shot and killed by a sniper on the clock tower at the University of Texas. He was eating lunch in a nearby cafe when he heard the rifle fire. When he went to investigate he was shot by the sniper. The sniper killed a total of 14 people and injured 31 others before several officers and civilians made it to the top of the tower and fatally shot him. Officer Speed was a U.S.Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was survived by his wife and child.
James Mumford | Elgin Police Department
End of Watch: November 13, 1963
Chief of Police James Mumford was shot and killed while assisting a highway patrolman stop a stolen car on Highway 290. When the suspect’s car was forced to stop the driver exited the car and opened fire with a handgun, striking Chief Mumford in the head. The highway patrolman was also shot and seriously wounded but was able to return fire. Two passing motorists were able to subdue the suspect. Chief Mumford served with the Elgin Police Department for 18 months and had previously served as chief of the Granger Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Walter Tucker | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 14, 1948
Officer Walter Tucker was killed in the line of duty when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car at the intersection of Monroe and South Congress Avenue. Tucker, a two-year veteran, was on traffic patrol when the collision occurred. Memorial located at 1522 S. Congress.
Elkins Morrison | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: February 3, 1936
Officer Elkins Morrison was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a car at the 300 block of Congress Avenue. Officer Morrison was on detective duty when he was struck crossing the street. Darkness, fog and rain were blamed for poor visibility leading to the accident. He was survived by his wife and three children. .
Sam Moore | Williamson County Constable's Office
End of Watch: February 16, 1934
Constable Moore and Marshal Henry Lindsey, of the Granger City Marshal’s Office, were shot and killed while placing a prisoner in a jail cell. The suspect had been arrested for failing to pay a $28.50 fine for disturbing the peace and abusive language. As the two officers placed the man in the jail cell he produced a .38 caliber handgun and shot both men to death. The suspect was convicted of both murders and executed in 1935. Constable Moore was elected constable in 1932. .
James Cummings | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: December 3, 1933
Officer James Cummings was killed in the line of duty when the motorcycle he was riding en route to an emergency call collided with a car at the intersection of 14th Street and Red River Street. Despite efforts by Cummings’ partner and the occupants of the car to carry Officer Cummings to nearby Brackenridge Hospital, he died almost instantly from his wounds. Officer Cummings was the second motorcycle officer to be killed in the line of duty in less than two months. A memorial to Officer James Cummings is located at 1313 Red River Street. .
William Stuart | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 16, 1933
Sergeant William Stuart was killed in the line of duty when his motorcycle was struck by a car at the 1000 block of South Congress Avenue. Officer Stuart was attempting to pull over a speeding truck when he was struck by the car. The driver of the car was charged with negligent homicide Memorial located at 1000 Block S. Congress. .
James Littlepage | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 9, 1928
Chief James Littlepage was killed during a shooting rampage in South Austin on October 9, 1928. Chief Littlepage and several officers set out from City Hall on a report that a crazed man wielding a shotgun had killed two women near the 300 block of Elizabeth Street. Officers chased the man along a creek bed while Chief Littlepage drove his automobile around to head the man off. When Chief Littlepage confronted the fleeing man at the 2500 block of Wilson Street, he attempted to talk him into surrendering. The gunman shot the chief twice in the abdomen, then ran on to a house at 1800 Newton Street where he shot and killed a carpenter working outside the home. Eventually, the gunman, barricaded in yet another house, took his own life as police closed in. .
Tom Allen | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 24, 1915
Officer Tom Allen was shot and killed by a newspaper reporter during a dispute about articles the reporter had written. The reporter wrote several articles that Officer Allen had mistreated women during arrests. The man met Officer Allen at a drug store and shot him. Officer Allen was part of Austin’s Mounted Patrol, and the second African-American Austin lawman. He was reportedly killed 30 feet from where Officer John Gaines had been killed 1913 and is buried in Round Rock Cemetery, Williamson County, Texas. A memorial to Officer Tom Allen is located at 401 E. 6th Street.
John Gaines | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: October 10, 1913
Officer John Gaines, the only African American officer on the Austin police force, was shot by George Booth, a deputy constable, at 6th Street and Trinity Street on November 19, 1913. Booth, who had been making a disturbance, shot Officer Gaines while Gaines was on the telephone summoning help from the police station. At that time, African-American officers were not allowed to arrest Caucasians. Officer Gaines and his wife, Sarah, were originally from Big Spring, Texas. A memorial to Officer John Gaines is located at 401 E. 6th Street.
George Duncan | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: September 23, 1911
Deputy Duncan was shot and killed by a suspect that had just murdered a saloonkeeper and attempted to murder the bartender. Deputy Duncan heard the shots from his home and went to investigate when he was shot and killed by the suspect. As he lay dead the suspect stole his gun, but was arrested a short time later. The suspect was convicted of the saloonkeeper’s murder and sentenced to life. He was pardoned by Governor William P. Hobby on January 18, 1921. Deputy Duncan had been with the agency for one month and was survived by his wife and four children.
John Olive | Williamson County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: September 11, 1892
Sheriff Olive was shot and killed by two brothers while he was walking on a train platform. The bothers shot him because Sheriff Olive had killed two of their brothers in a shoot out 12 years prior. Both were apprehended and charged with Sheriff Olive’s murder. One of the brothers was tried and acquitted in 1893. The charges against the other brother were dismissed but he was re-indicted in 1914. The case did not go to trial until 1923. Texas Governor J. E. Ferguson and Secretary of State John McKay testified on behalf of the defendant. The jury found him not guilty. Sheriff Olive had been with the agency for two years.
James Gunn | Williamson County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: July 24, 1892
On July 23, 1892, Deputy James B. Gunn and City Marshal Brady were engaged in an argument over who arrested a man first. The verbal dispute escalated into a gunfight outside Mankin’s Saloon on Main Street in Georgetown. Brady shot Gunn three times. Gunn shot Brady twice, severing one of his fingers. Gunn died of his wounds on July 24.
Maurice Moore | Travis County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: November 10, 1887
Deputy Moore was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a suspect on a warrant. When Deputy Moore entered the suspect’s home the suspect drew a rifle and a struggle ensued. An unknown person entered the house and shot Deputy Moore with a shotgun. Deputy Moore’s grave remained unmarked for 115 years until a tombstone was put in place in May 2002.
William Stanley | Williamson County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: August 6, 1887
Deputy Stanley was shot and killed outside his home by two horse thieves he had been searching for. The two men ambushed Deputy Stanley as he repaired his fence and shot him ten times. One of the suspects were shot and killed the next month in a gun battle with two United States Deputy Marshals. Deputy Stanley was survived by his wife and nine children.
Alijah Grimes | Williamson County Sheriff's Department
End of Watch: July 19, 1878
Deputy Alijah Grimes was shot and killed during a stakeout of a local bank. He and other officers from his agency and the Texas Rangers received a tip that the Bass Gang would rob the bank. The officers observed four members of the gang enter a store next door to the bank. Deputy Grimes approached one of the gang members and asked if he was armed. The suspect, notorious outlaw Sam Bass, immediately shot him. Two Texas rangers who were nearby opened fire on the gang, killing one and mortally wounding Bass. The other two escaped. Deputy Grimes was a Freemason and a former Texas Ranger. He was survived by his wife and is buried in the northeast corner of the Round Rock Cemetery in Round Rock, Texas.
Cornelius Fahey | Austin Police Department
End of Watch: March 8, 1875
Officer Fahey, a native of Cork, Ireland, was shot through the abdomen on an unknown block of Congress Avenue between the hours of 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 7, 1875. His assailant, a “whiskey-crazed” man named Mark Tiner, fled the scene on horseback and was captured in Hancock’s pasture approximately 3 ½ miles north of the city. Fahey was able to identify Tiner before dying of his wounds. Officer Fahey, according to local press, “was an efficient officer, and fell while in the discharge of his duty.” He is the first Austin police officer known to have died in the line of duty. A memorial to Officer Cornelius Fahey is located at Austin Police Department Headquarters, 715 E. 8th St.