The City of Mesquite is looking to honor one of its fallen police officers.
The Mesquite Police Association (MPA) invited the residents to take part in a fundraiser called “821 Day” on August 21 (8/21). Its proceeds will go toward funding a highway memorial in honor of a police officer slain two years ago.
Mesquite Police Officer Richard Lee Houston II was killed in the line of duty during a shoot-out at an Albertson’s parking lot in December 2021. The veteran of 21 years was transported to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas but died shortly thereafter, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Monday’s fundraising event, organized by Mesquite Police Association (MPA) Charities, was named after Houston’s badge number.
MPA asked local restaurants in the city to donate a portion of their earnings that day to the charity for the new highway memorial.
To designate the portion of Interstate Highway 635 that traverses the city as Officer Richard Houston II Memorial Highway, MPA partnered with Rep. Victoria Neave Criado (D-Dallas) to get House Bill 975 passed.
This bill was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June of this year.
“Officer Houston’s legacy and service to our Mesquite community will be remembered for generations thanks to Shelby Houston’s powerful testimony about her father in support of House Bill 975. It was a tremendous honor to work with the Houston family and the Mesquite Police Association to turn this idea into law,” said Rep. Criado after the bill was passed.
Instead of pursuing funds from the state, MPA sought aid from the community to manifest the memorial.
A total of 16 different businesses across the city committed to the recent endeavor, including Alejandro’s, Bubba’s, Bull’s Pen Cafe, Mesquite BBQ, and more, with varying percentages pledged.
As of August 21, the organization had reached just over $35,000 of its goal of $40,500. Donations are still possible through the website.
“Our Association and members want to ensure that everyone living in or passing through the City of Mesquite knows Officer Houston’s name, story, and sacrifice,” said Bruce Sales, MPA president. “This memorial highway dedication is a step in that direction.”
