Police Officer Winston James Rawlins

Police Officer Winston James Rawlins

Houston Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Monday, March 29, 1982

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Winston James Rawlins

Officer Winston Rawlins was killed by a fireball that resulted from an accident in which a gasoline truck was struck by a tractor-trailer in the 9000 block of South Loop East.

Officer Rawlins was conducting a traffic stop when traffic began to back up. A gasoline truck had slowed down due to traffic and stopped in traffic next to Officer Rawlins. A tractor-trailer then struck the right side of the gasoline truck then, striking Officer Rawlins and killing him. When Officer Rawlins observed the impending accident, he was able to push the citizen to safety. When the tractor-trailer struck the gasoline truck, a fireball erupted, and Officer Rawlins was trapped in it.

Later that day, Houston Police Officer William DeLeon was struck and killed on his motorcycle by a speeding motorist.

Officer Rawlins had been with the Houston Police Department for two years. He was survived by his two daughters, parents, and two brothers.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 1787

Incident Details

  • Cause Fire

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Rawlins,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 29, 2022

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