UPDATE:
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted Saturday the officer's condition is improving.
"We just met with doc. Organs stable, brain swelling going down. Fever slightly going down. Dr. says he felt like he hit the jackpot after 3rd surgery. Things much better" read the tweet.
HOUSTON – Family, friends and colleagues are praying for a full recovery for a popular Houston police officer who was critically injured in a golfing accident.
Officer Jerry Flores is said to be out of surgery and remains in critical condition, according to Joe Gamaldi, president of the Houston Police Officers Union.
Flores was at the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club golf tournament at Cypress Lakes Thursday when he lost his balance and fell from a golf cart, fracturing his skull.
"The tournament was pretty much over,” HPD Officer’s Union Vice President Officer Douglas Griffith said. “[Flores] jumped on the back of a golf cart, they’re going up to the clubhouse where they can hang out and socialize. Somewhere during that trip he fell off and hit his head and was unconscious from that point on.”
Flores, a 26-year veteran with HPD, also works as a liason with the Houston Astros and recently received his World Series ring.
The friendly cop never met a stranger and has people praying for him from all walks of life.
“[Flores] never met someone he didn’t like,” said HPD Officer’s Union Vice President Officer Douglas Griffith. “I don’t think he has an enemy in the world.”
"We call Jerry the Mayor of Midtown because everyone who saw his infectious smile and warm personality, immediately became his friend," the Thin Blue Line Motorcycle Club posted on its Facebook page.
The late KHOU sports anchor Bob Allen was among his closest friends. The pair, along with longtime KHOU reporter Jeff McShan, called themselves "The Three Amigos."
Here are some of the posts from community: