Harris County Constable Precinct 5 Deputy Miguel Diaz Honored for Heroic Actions Amid Rising Traffic Dangers in Harris County
In a ceremony spotlighting both individual valor and the broader challenges of road safety, Deputy Miguel Diaz of Harris County Constable Precinct 5 was recently celebrated for his extraordinary bravery during a critical incident on duty. The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce named Diaz “Responder of the Year” at its Spring Business Expo and General Membership Luncheon on May 20, 2025. Concurrently, he received the prestigious Award of Heroism from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
These accolades stem from Deputy Diaz’s courageous actions during a harrowing one-car crash response last year. After assisting the injured female driver into the safety of his patrol vehicle, Deputy Diaz was unexpectedly struck by an impaired driver as he worked to clear the wreckage. The impact hurled him across two lanes of active traffic, rendering him briefly unconscious. Despite his injuries, he regained consciousness and immediately returned to the crash scene to ensure the woman he had just helped was still safe.
A Rising Concern: Traffic Incidents in Harris County
Deputy Diaz's commendation comes at a time when Harris County is grappling with a surge in traffic-related incidents. In 2024, Houston experienced a record number of road deaths, with 345 fatalities—a 15% increase from the previous year. Notably, 230 of these fatalities occurred on roads with speed limits of 50 mph or less, and 119 pedestrians lost their lives, often due to failure to yield .
Impaired driving remains a significant contributor to these statistics. Harris County has one of the highest impaired driving fatality rates in Texas. Data indicates that weekends and holidays, particularly between midnight and 3 a.m., are the most dangerous times for such incidents .
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Recognizing Valor Amidst Adversity
Deputy Diaz's heroism was also acknowledged during the annual Police Week Awards Ceremony on May 14, where Constable Terry Allbritton presented him with the Constable’s Commendation Award. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to duty and public safety, even when facing grave personal danger.
Other honorees included:
- Deputies Erika Ramirez, Jason Garcia, and Derrick Brown, recognized for administering lifesaving CPR at a car accident scene on the Sam Houston Tollway.
- Sergeant Jared Gerfers and Corporal Kirk Higdon, who sought justice for a young disabled boy injured in a toll road incident.
- Deputy Genaro Castrejon, who earned the Precinct 5 Life Saving Medal for rescuing a gunshot victim during a robbery on Highway 6.
“These deputies showed exceptional courage and dedication, going the extra mile to help others and, in some cases, save lives,” stated Constable Allbritton's office, emphasizing the depth of commitment seen across the department.
How Civilians Can Help Prevent Traffic Tragedies
While law enforcement plays a crucial role in public safety, community members can also take proactive steps to reduce risks on the road—especially when it comes to impaired driving and accident response.
As Responsible Drivers:
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that impair judgment or reaction time.
- Plan ahead by using rideshare apps, taxis, or designated drivers if you plan to consume alcohol.
- Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, yielding to pedestrians, and using turn signals.
- Limit distractions—avoid texting, eating, or multitasking behind the wheel.
- Watch for first responders and move over or slow down when you see flashing lights at an incident scene.
As Witnesses or Bystanders:
- Report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 with a location, description, and direction of travel.
- Stay at the scene if you witness a crash—your statement could aid an investigation or save a life.
- Avoid putting yourself at risk—don’t attempt to detain a suspected drunk driver or enter active roadways to help without first ensuring your own safety.
- Offer support after incidents by assisting victims if trained to do so, or by directing traffic away from danger if safe and necessary.
Public safety is a shared responsibility. Even small decisions—like taking an Uber home or speaking up when a friend is about to drive impaired—can prevent tragedy and save lives.
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A Commitment to Safer Roads
The recognition of Deputy Diaz and his colleagues serves as a poignant reminder of the daily risks law enforcement officers face. It also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the escalating traffic dangers in Harris County. Initiatives focusing on impaired driving prevention, enhanced road safety measures, and community education are essential to reverse the troubling trends.
As Deputy Diaz continues to serve the Greater Houston area, his actions stand as a testament to the courage and dedication of those committed to protecting their communities, even in the face of increasing hazards on the road.
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.
