Fletcher remembers late sheriff’s deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal as ‘remarkable hero’

A U.S. representative from Texas has remembered the sacrifice made by a Harris County sheriff’s deputy who made headlines when he was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 27, 2019.

U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) praised the late Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was shot several times at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2019, in northwest Harris County while conducting a traffic stop. Dhaliwal, 42, died at 4:03 p.m. on that day, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s “Hero Details” said.

Robert Solis was alleged to have ambushed Dhaliwal and shot him in the head, the Houston Chronicle said.

“Two years ago today, Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was killed in the line of duty,” Fletcher said on Twitter. “Our entire community continues to mourn the loss of this remarkable hero, who lived in, served and loved #TX07. May we continue to honor his memory.”

Hired in January of 2009 by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer, Dhaliwal graduated to the rank of patrol deputy assigned to District 5, which is northwest Harris County, the “Hero Details” said.

“In 2015, Deputy Dhaliwal received permission to wear his turban and beard in keeping with his Sikh religious faith, paving the way for others to do the same,” the “Hero Details” said. “In 2017, Deputy Dhaliwal led a very successful effort by United Sikhs of America to collect and distribute aid to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.”

Dhaliwal, as a Sikh, was an adherent of the monotheistic religion of India that rejected idolatry and caste. At the time of his death, people described him as a “vibrant and energetic deputy” personable and having a “sense of humor,” “Hero Details” said.

Sharon Haywood said on Dhaliwal’s online obituary that he made “history in this country.”

“I want you also to know that I would have been proud to receive a ticket from Deputy Sandeep. Men and women do not become members of law enforcement unless it's in their heart and it was definitely in his heart and I for one was and is still proud of him,” Haywood said.

Wanda Morrison commented on Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez’s Facebook page that posted a recent tribute to Dhaliwal.

“I remember this and it was so devastating we lost a great officer that day we will always remember his service to the police department and the people,” Morrison said.

Survived by his father, wife and three children, Dhaliwal’s ashes are immersed in his ancestral India, Link said.