LAMESA, Texas 鈥� A Dawson County Sheriff鈥檚 deputy was killed after being struck by debris from a passing commercial vehicle,
Deputy Jessie Perez, 42, was conducting a traffic stop on April 21 when the incident occurred. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), he was transported to a hospital before succumbing to his injuries.
Although Perez had been with the Dawson County Sheriff鈥檚 Office for only eight months, his public service career stretched far beyond law enforcement. He served as a firefighter with the O鈥橠onnell Volunteer Fire Department, an EMT with Lynn County EMS and other agencies, and as a city councilmember in O鈥橠onnell.
鈥淭raffic stops are one of the most dangerous things an officer can do in law enforcement, whether that鈥檚 with the sheriff鈥檚 office, police department, state trooper 鈥� that鈥檚 why we have laws for move-over laws,鈥� said DPS spokesperson Steven Blanco.
The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
Multiple agencies and community organizations issued statements honoring Perez鈥檚 life and service:
- City of O鈥橠onnell: 鈥淛essie served our council with a passion to make [the city] better鈥� You will be greatly missed.鈥�
- O鈥橠onnell Volunteer Fire Department: 鈥淎 great void is left in many hearts鈥� Our hearts and prayers are with Jessie鈥檚 family.鈥�
- Lynn County Healthcare System: 鈥淗is legacy will live on in the hearts of those he helped and in the spirit of service he embodied.鈥�
Perez received his badge in August 2024 and was well-known for his commitment to public service, according to the report. He is remembered for his compassion, dedication and the lasting impact he made across multiple communities.
