Mesquite Police Chief David Gill said that the death of Officer Richard Houston, who was fatally shot in December 2021, has strengthened the bond in the department, according to a report by CBS 11 News.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Houston was fatally shot in the parking lot of a grocery store on the afternoon of December 3, 2021. The 21-year police veteran was taken to a hospital in critical condition. However, he died from his injuries later.
Police Chief David Gill, who became chief just two months before the fatal shooting, told CBS 11 News that officers at the department think about the incident every day. He said that officers now rely on each other more than before. “I think… in that regard it’s been beneficial to us,” he said.
Chief Gill further shared how Houston’s killing was a challenge to his leadership, and he never imagined losing an officer violently. “This was a friend of mine,” he said.
Houston and Gill were close as friends and colleagues as they grew together in the department. So Gill said that his grief was doubled as he had to deal with his “personal grieving” and the department’s.
Houston’s colleagues believe that he was ambushed when he was shot as he was focused and aware of his surroundings. Gill emphasized that belief, explaining that the bullet got to the officer even though he was wearing his protective gear.
For Police Chief Gill, every day at work is a reminder of the sacrifice and dangers of law enforcement as he passes by the memorial area. “You can’t walk in the back door of the employee entrance without walking past the memorial area,” he explained.
Houston’s alleged gunman Jaime Jaramillo remains in custody, with no trial date set as of February 11.
