A Houston police officer was killed in an East Texas crash on Wednesday while providing an escort.
Houston Senior Police Officer Alex Roberts died in a crash in Anderson County, near Palestine, around 4:20 p.m. September 17, according to a statement from the department. He was assigned to the solo motorcycle detail, conducting a traffic escort.
“We ask for your continued prayers for his family and extended HPD family during this time of mourning,” the Houston Police Department posted.
The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) offered condolences to the Houston police and Roberts’ family: “We’re keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Denton Police Department also acknowledged Roberts’ death, saying its officers were thinking of those in Houston: “The men and women of the Denton Police Department mourn alongside our brothers and sisters at HPD and the Houston community. We stand with you in grief, in prayer, and in solidarity.”
Officials said the department was “deeply saddened” to hear about the loss of another police officer. This comes after Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jerry Adamick Jr. died in a crash on September 15, as The Dallas Express reported.
Adamick was responding to an emergency in San Jacinto County when his car veered off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. After he died, numerous police departments across Texas – including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex – honored his memory.
The same day as Roberts’ death, Houston Firefighter Paramedic Stephen Scott – who served with the department since 1997 – died after an on-duty medical issue on September 14.
“Firefighter Scott was a dedicated member of this team, and will be missed by the HFD family,” said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz in a press release. “His legacy is one of hard work, honor, and service to his community.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed gratitude for the service Roberts and Scott provided to the public.
“Houston is grieving the loss of two dedicated public servants today,” Whitmire posted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, loved ones, and the HFD and HPD families. Their service to Houston will never be forgotten.”