Officer Richard Houston of Forney, TX tragically received fatal wounds while responding to a disturbance call with the Mesquite Police Department on December 3. Houston, a 21-year veteran with Mesquite PD, was first and foremost a husband and father to three children.
The Houston family has been a part of the Forney community for a number of years, attending church and school here. Officer Houston’s wife is also teacher for Forney ISD, and their children have been involved in various sports and activities.
An accomplished law enforcement officer, Houston had worked in nearly every capacity in the department over the last two decades from patrol officer to SWAT Team member to Homeland Security, among others. He was also the recipient of 48 Letters of Commendation, 2 Life Saving Awards, and a Police Commendation Bar, as well being named Citizens Police Academy Officer of the Month.
In a statement from the Mesquite Police Department, Mesquite Police Chief David Gill said, “This was a senseless act of violence. Richard was a great officer, friend, father, and husband. Please keep his family and our family in your prayers.”
The suspect, 37-year-old Jamie Jaramillo of Balch Springs, also received wounds on December 3 and is listed in stable condition as of Monday, December 6. He will face charges that include Capital Murder of a Peace Officer.
A Prayer Vigil was held on Sunday, December 5, in front of the Mesquite Police Department honoring the life of Officer Richard Houston, with remarks by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr. and local pastors. Visitation and the funeral service for Officer Richard Houston are being held at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall on Thursday, December 9, at 10am and 12pm respectively. A special donation webpage has been established through the Mesquite Police Department to assist the Houston family at https://charities.thempa.org/donate/.
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