Our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family and community pays tribute to our fallen brother Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal on the first anniversary of his death.
This Sunday marks one year since our entire community – and the world – began mourning his loss and honoring his memory. Harris County residents from all walks of life spoke of his special connection with the people in his district, as well as his deep commitment to a life of service and his faith. This was a sign of how beloved Deputy Dhaliwal was by his fellow deputies and the community.
Deputy Dhaliwal joined our agency as a detention officer in 2009 after feeling called to build a bridge between law enforcement and the Sikh community. He later became a patrol deputy. He paved the way for other Sikhs to join the agency as the first member of their community to serve at the Sheriff’s Office. In 2015, he became our first deputy to wear the traditional Sikh articles of faith as part of his uniform.
Deputy Dhaliwal answered the call of duty determined to make a difference. He did. Nearly everyone in northwest Harris County – where he was ambushed during a routine traffic stop – knew who he was. His turban and beard, markers of his Sikh faith, and extraordinary spirit made him unforgettable. We received photos, videos, and countless tributes from residents that underscored Deputy Dhaliwal’s lasting impact on our region – from him coordinating hurricane relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey and traveling to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria to his playful spirit that was captured when he let a curious child handcuff him and then set him free.
On Sunday at 10:30 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office will conduct a vehicular processional in his honor near the Copperbrook community, the very district he patrolled and protected, prior to the family’s private prayer service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the moment will be captured and shared on our social media platforms.
The pain is just as present today as it was the day of his passing. Not a day goes by that we do not mourn him. We remember his service, sacrifice, and the example he set for us all. Let’s continue to pray for his wife, three children, and family.
Deputy Dhaliwal took great pride in being a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy, knowing that he was representing the Sikh community in a very visible way and making Harris County a better place through his positive interactions with residents.
Of all the things Deputy Dhaliwal gave, his unwavering commitment to community and a heart of service mattered most. The men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office who proudly served at his side continue to follow and live out Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy of giving.
God bless you, and may God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.