On January 29, State Representative Keith Bell filed House Bill 2198 to honor the memory and service of fallen Terrell Police Officer Jacob Candanoza by designating a portion of Texas Highway 34 in Kaufman County in his name.
Officer Candanoza made the ultimate sacrifice on December 8, 2024, when he was shot and killed during a late-night traffic stop on State Highway 34. His tragic passing was mourned by law enforcement officers and first responders from across the region, with over 1,000 in attendance at his funeral to pay their respects.
A devoted husband and father to a five-year-old daughter, Officer Candanoza dedicated his life to service. Before joining the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 2014 to 2019. He later worked as a courtesy patrol technician at the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. In his short but impactful tenure with Terrell PD, he quickly earned the admiration of his peers and had recently been nominated for Rookie of the Year.
“It is an absolute honor to file House Bill 2198 to ensure that Officer Jacob Candanoza’s courage, dedication, and sacrifice are never forgotten. He gave his life protecting our community, and this highway dedication will be a lasting tribute to his bravery and service. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends, and fellow officers as they grieve this tremendous loss,” said Representative Bell.
As a steadfast advocate for law enforcement and first responders, Representative Bell has worked diligently to support and protect those who risk their lives to keep Texans safe. House Bill 2198 reflects his ongoing commitment to honoring those who serve and making sure their sacrifices are recognized for generations to come.
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