Friona Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Monday, April 14, 2003
Add to My HeroesJose Arturo "Joe" Herrera
Sergeant Herrera was killed when his patrol car was intentionally rammed by a vehicle that was being chased by other officers.
Sergeant Herrera was off duty doing paperwork at the police station when he heard radio traffic of a chase coming towards Friona. He immediately got into his patrol car and headed towards the pursuit.
As he neared the pursuit, he pulled over onto the side of County Road N and activated his emergency lights. As the fleeing pickup truck approached from the opposite direction, the suspect swerved onto the side of the road and struck Sergeant Herrera's patrol car in the front corner and driver's side door, killing Sergeant Herrera instantly. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and put under police custody at a local hospital.
The suspect was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Sergeant Herrera had been employed with the Friona Police Department for five years, and was survived by his wife, 10-year-old son, three daughters (ages two months, 4 years, and 11 years), parents, sister, and brother.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 104
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Incident Date Sunday, April 13, 2003
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 209 Reflections18 years later and some days it still feels like yesterday. I miss you.
Kelcey
November 7, 2021
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