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These are the Houston-area law enforcement officers who died in 2021

From COVID-19 to on-duty violence, these are the officers who died in 2021

Police lights. (KPRC/File)

HOUSTON – The year 2021 was a difficult one for the Houston area and its law enforcement community, with several law enforcement officers losing their lives.

Here is a look at each of the officers who died this year.

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Harris County District Attorney’s Office Investigator Richard Anthony Sepolio, Sr., died on Jan. 13, 2021. He reportedly died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Robert Perez, 54, died on Feb. 2, 2021 from complications of COVID-19.

Perez died Feb. 3 from complications of COVID-19. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served at the Harris County Jail for five years. Perez is the third HCSO correctional staff member to die from the coronavirus. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)

Pasadena Police Department Det. Pedro Junior “Pete” Mejia reportedly died on Feb. 6, 2021. He died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure while on duty.

Pedro “Pete” Mejia Jr., Pasadena Police Department police detective and military veteran, died Saturday after a difficult battle with COVID-19. (KPRC)

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alexander Gwosdz, 32, died on April 22, 2021.

Bay City Police Department Detective Juan Alfonso “John” Delgado died on July 15, 2021.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Shaun Christopher Waters, 42, died on Aug. 1, 2021.

South Houston Police Department Sgt. Kuo-sheng “Johnny” Wang reportedly died on Aug. 19, 2021.

Harris County Constable’s Office - Precinct 6 Sgt. Tomas Infante, Sr. reportedly died on Aug. 22, 2021.

Fort Bend Independent School District Police Department Sgt. Richard John Frankie died on Sept. 17, 2021.

Houston Police Senior Officer William Jeffrey, 54, died on Sept. 20, 2021.

HPD Officer William "Bill" Jeffrey (Houston Police Department)

Houston Police Senior Officer John Wilbanks, 53, died on Oct. 13, 2021.

Senior Police Officer John Wilbanks (Images courtesy of the Houston Police Department)

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Deputy Constable Kareem Anthony Atkins, 30, died on Oct. 16, 2021.

Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Deputy Karrem Atkins (Image courtesy Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman)

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Sieman, 39, died on Oct. 21, 2021.

Deputy Joshua Sieman (HCSO)

Friendswood Police Sgt. James Dement died on Dec. 27, 2021, due to COVID-related illness.

For a full listing of Texas law enforcement who died in 2021, go here.


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