A portion of I-635 now bears the name of a fallen police officer killed in the line of duty two years ago.
Officer Richard Lee Houston II of the Mesquite Police Department was fatally wounded in the line of duty during a shootout in an Albertson’s parking lot in December 2021.
The City of Mesquite and the Mesquite Police Association (MPA) sought to honor the officer by inviting residents to take part in a fundraiser called “821 Day” in an effort to have a portion of I-635 named in his honor, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Houston’s killer has since been arrested and sentenced to life in prison for capital murder.
The City of Mesquite announced on December 1 that the Texas Department of Transportation had finished installing the signs for what is now “Officer Richard Houston II Memorial Highway.” The portion of the highway named after the officer extends from LaPrada Drive to Cartwright Road/Bruton Road.
“Everyone passing through the City of Mesquite will see these signs and know about Officer Houston’s sacrifice,” said Bruce Sales, president officer of MPA, according to a release from the city. “Our goal all along has been to have the signage installed by the second-anniversary date of his end of watch. We appreciate the way the community showed their support for Officer Houston’s legacy and service.”
The Mesquite Police Department also posted on social media, honoring the officer on the second anniversary of his death by recounting his career and the accolades he had earned.
“Officer Houston’s sacrifice will continue to be remembered, and his life and service will forever be honored by the generations of Mesquite Police Officers past, present, and future,” said the Mesquite Police Department.
