HOUSTON — The son of a fallen deputy was escorted during an important milestone Saturday. His blue family stood by his side during his high school graduation.
"Feels good," said Nomar Gutierrez, a graduate of Klein Oak High School.
Graduating high school was a big achievement he had to do without his dad, who he lost a little over two years ago.
"He was a great community man, nice to everyone and a reason he got such great support from the community," Nomar said.
45-year-old Ramon Gutierrez was a sergeant and 23-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. He served his last 13 years working in the vehicular crimes division.
"He should be here with us but unfortunately, he was taken away from us, it was unfortunate, a drunk driver. It’s something that shouldn't be happening to a family," said Ramon's wife, Lupita Gutierrez.
On Sunday, Ramon's brothers in blue wanted to make sure Nomar wasn’t alone on such an important day.
"It's already hard enough for the families that they have lost someone important for them, to bridge that gap," said HCSO Deputy Mohammad Amad.
These brothers showed the Gutierrez family that they are not alone.
Nomar was escorted from his house to the commencement ceremony at NRG Stadium. They know Nomar walked across the stage carrying a piece of his dad with him, not just in his heart, but also stepped in his dad's shoes.
"These are his favorite he wore them a lot," Nomar said about his dad's boots.
"If my husband is watching from heaven, I know he is extremely proud of everyone," Lupita said.