HOUSTON – Family, friends and colleagues honored a fallen Houston police sergeant Thursday.
Sgt. Harold Preston was killed in the line of duty last week while responding to a domestic disturbance.
READ: Who was HPD Sgt. Harold Preston?
Several ceremonies and events will be held to honor the life of Preston this week.
On Wednesday, officers stood together as the body of Sgt. Preston arrived at the Granville Sawyer Auditorium at Texas Southern University for a public visitation.
On Thursday, a memorial service was held to honor Sgt. Preston’s life at Grace Church. During the service, Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Oct. 29 “Sergeant Harold Preston Day” in the city of Houston.
“He made us proud,” Turner said. “And he made us better. ... This city is blessed has been blessed, may God continue to bless this family. May God continue to lift you all up ...”
HPD Chief Art Acevedo honored Preston on behalf of the police department the most prestigious award, the Medal of Valor.
“He will be remembered as a calm steadying supervisor, never lost his enjoyment for the job," Acevedo said. " ... His extraordinary bravery and selfless efforts to protect the community, the Houston Police Department is honored to present the most prestigious award.”
On Saturday, Oct. 31, the department will motorcade with the family through the city of Houston so Houstonians can say a final goodbye to their fallen hero.
Preston was a father, son and fiancée who dedicated 41 years to the Houston Police Department.
READ: Fiancee of fallen HPD Sgt. Harold Preston: ‘He can’t take away my memories’