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Annual Breakfast Honoring Fallen Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal Draws Supporters Together
Community

Annual Breakfast Honoring Fallen Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal Draws Supporters Together

September 28 2022

Three years ago, the Copperfield area and Greater Houston community grappled with and mourned the passing of Harris County Sheriff Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal. What began as a routine traffic stop turned deadly when Deputy Dhaliwal was shot and killed, sending shockwaves across the community and making national headlines. But his story and legacy didn't stop there.

As the first Sikh to become a sheriff's deputy in Harris County, Deputy Dhaliwal not only helped pave the way for other Sikhs to join law enforcement in Houston while proudly wearing the traditional Sikh turban and beard. He became a symbol of unity, helping to raise awareness of the Sikh community while building bridges with the sheriff's office. Always willing to lend a helping hand in the community, Deputy Dhaliwal captured the spirit of what it means to be a true public servant.

At a commemorative breakfast honoring Deputy Dhaliwal on Tuesday, September 27, dozens of Harris County Sheriff deputies gathered alongside family and friends of Deputy Dhaliwal to celebrate his life and legacy. The gathering was held at Charles W. Austin Park, where a beautiful memorial has been established as a permanent tribute to Deputy Dhaliwal.
 
Hardam Singh Azad concludes a moving statement about the impact his nephew made
on the community as a symbol of unity and kindness for all.
 
An opening prayer was delivered by Harris County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Shannon Bowdoin, followed by a moving Sikh prayer led by Amrik Singh, head priest of the Sikh National Center in Houston. Hardam Singh Azad, Deputy Dhaliwal's uncle, gave an impactful statement about the legacy Deputy Dhaliwal created that still carries on in the community today.
 
Chaplain Shannon BowdoinHarris County Sheriff's Office
 
Amrik Singh
Sikh National Center
 
"Why do we remember good people? Because there is something in us that tells us we want to be like them. We draw inspiration from them. He didn't see color. Content of character is the only thing Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal knew," said Azad.
 

Following remarks, a delectable breakfast featuring Indian cuisine was served to all attendees as they shared stories, took photos together and discussed the far-reaching impact that Deputy Dhaliwal has had on the community since his tragic, untimely passing.

Among the attendees was Sergeant Adam Lightfoot, who worked closely and interacted with Deputy Dhaliwal that fateful morning before his passing. "[He was] always willing to help somebody. He was a real genuine character. As the years go by, you appreciate the contributions be made to the Sikh community. He brought that into the light," said Lightfoot.

 
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez remembered Deputy Dhaliwal as "a humanitarian," adding that "he truly was a good man."
 
Deputy Dhaliwal was not only a proponent of the Sikh community, he was also a friend to many, regardless of their religion or race. He befriended Houstonian Kim Hall after the passing of Deputy Darren Goforth at the gas station where his life was taken. On how Deputy Dhaliwal impacted her life, "he encouraged me to go out and not see color, not see anger. Be polite, have an honest job, work an honest living and treat others with respect and kindness," said Hall. 
 
A touching memorial located at the entrance to an area of Charles W. Austin Park that is
dedicated to the memory of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal.
 
Members of the community are welcome and invited to visit Charles W. Austin Park to remember Deputy Dhaliwal and celebrate the legacy of kindness and diversity that carries on today. 
 

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
 
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.


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