Holly MatkinPearland, TX – Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Sergeant Bruce Watson died in the line of duty on Jan. 2, when an SUV crashed into him as he was riding his patrol motorcycle home from a funeral escort.
The fatal crash occurred near the intersection of Kingsley Drive and FM 2234 at approximately 1:16 p.m., the HCSO said in a press release later that evening.
Sgt. Watson, 51, was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital by helicopter, where he succumbed to his injuries, KTRK reported.
The exact cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation, according to Pearland police.
“Our entire Sheriff’s Office family is grieving the sudden loss of our long-time brother,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in the press release. “Sgt. Watson served his community with honor and distinction, and we ask for everyone to lift his family in prayer during this difficult time.”
Sgt. Watson, a U.S. Army veteran, joined the HCSO in March of 2000.
He served as a detention sergeant, training academy instructor and field training officer during his career, and was most recently assigned as the night shift command supervisor at the Patrol Support Services Bureau’s Emergency Dispatch Center.
Sgt. Watson leaves behind his wife, who serves as a Houston police officer, as well as his three adult children, according to the HCSO.
He is also survived by his mother and his infant grandchild, KTRK reported.
“He served his community well and we are devastated by his untimely death,” Sheriff Gonzalez tweeted. “Please join us in prayer for his grieving wife, his 3 children and everyone who loved him.”
Our Emergency Dispatch Center is lit blue to honor Sgt. Bruce Watson, who most recently served there as a Watch Command supervisor. pic.twitter.com/ZIT3W3Iv79
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 3, 2021
Sgt. Bruce Watson was a 20-year @HCSOTexas veteran. He served his community well and we are devastated by his untimely death.
Please join us in prayer for his grieving wife, his 3 children and everyone who loved him. #HouNews #lesm pic.twitter.com/8kUoWSk28f— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 2, 2021
Memories of happier times. At Sgt. Bruce Watson’s promotion ceremony. His wife, a Houston Police Officer, was by his side to witness the special occasion. #HouNews #lesm pic.twitter.com/PCDNYOWEXD
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 3, 2021
Cordon of Honor for fallen Sgt. Bruce Watson
End of Watch 1/2/2021 https://t.co/FWNxl9Wsk0— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 3, 2021
Cordon of Honor for fallen Sgt Bruce Watson
EOW 1/2/21 https://t.co/XWqJzWgo9Z
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 3, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Harris County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Bruce Watson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
