HOUSTON – Hundreds crowded The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart to celebrate the life of a fallen Harris County Sheriff deputy. Jesse Valdez III was killed in the line of duty last week.
Those who knew him well joined those he hardly knew.
"He was great guy, a great father and a great friend," said Eric Rodriguez, Valdez's friend.
Related: Vigil held for Harris County deputy
"I only got to know (Valdez) through a ride along, but he was a real good man," said Freddy Rodriguez, a college student.
Many wept outside the church before and after a public vigil Tuesday morning. However, all honored Valdez as the hero they remember him to be.
"(Valdez was) a hard-charger, (he) took action first, courageous, a friend dedicated to his job and always strived to be the very best deputy he could ever be."
Valdez touched people at the police academy like long-time friend Eric Rodriguez.
"(Valdez) had a great, great attitude," Rodriguez said. "He was always willing to help people."
Four weeks ago, Valdez inspired a college kid during a ride along.
"He told me about his life, how he became a deputy," Freddy Rodriguez said. "I've struggled, too. He told me to keep my head up high and keep going and keep doing what I need to do."
Last week, Valdez was doing his job in east Harris County when an SUV crashed head-on into his patrol car. Valdez died hours later. He was just 32, an only son, single dad and 11-year Harris County Sheriff's Office veteran.
Related: Deputy killed in head-on crash
At his public vigil, co-workers, friends, even officers from various police and fire agencies surrounded Valdez's mother and 10-year-old son and offered comfort.
"It has been trying," said Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. "It has been beyond difficult because we try to find an understanding in what all this means."
So, as the procession left downtown's public vigil for Valdez's private burial, loved ones followed and saluted their hero one last time.
