Our Sheriff’s Office family came together on Tuesday to celebrate Sgt. Bruce Watson’s life. We were joined by his circle of loved ones and our extended law enforcement family at the Houston Police Department (HPD) to remember a great man of faith and community. After the service, we conducted a ceremony with honors and a presentation of Sgt. Watson’s motorcycle unit helmet to his wife Tracy, a 21-year HPD veteran and our sister in blue.
The tributes to Sgt. Watson were an uplifting reminder of our camaraderie and promise to be by each other’s side. There are few undertakings so noble as the protection of your community. Sgt. Watson did just that, dedicating his life to serving others – first as a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in Operation Desert Storm, and then as a 20-year veteran of our agency.
Sgt. Watson received burial honors from the U.S. Army following a procession to the Houston National Cemetery.
His three children – Kierra, Brianna, and Bruce – and close friend Ethan said he loved being a peace officer and everything our badges represent. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, new grandfather, and treasured member of our agency. He will be missed by his teammates at the Emergency Dispatch Center and all who had the honor of knowing him. We will honor his memory by continuing to answer the call for service.
Please continue to pray that Sgt. Watson’s family finds comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and the many young deputies in our ranks he guided and mentored to be tomorrow’s leaders. We will keep him and his family in our hearts.
Detention Officer Samuel and His Family Displaced From Their Home After Fire
Detention Officer Genaro Samuel had just finished his shift at the jail last Saturday when he learned his home became engulfed in flames. His wife, daughter, and son were in the house when the fire started but escaped safely. Sadly, the family lost nearly all their belongings.
Detention Officer Samuel and his family are staying at a hotel provided by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Benevolence Association as they navigate the next steps and find a permanent place to live. We’re grateful for his family’s well-being and the outpouring of support they received from both teammates and residents.
Every contribution, prayer, and positive thought lifts these families and makes our agency stronger. It exemplifies what community is all about – giving back and lending a helping hand to those in need and leaning on each other during challenging times.
God bless you, and God bless the Sheriff’s Office.