HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy passed away in his parked patrol car at a Crosby gas station overnight.
He has been identified as 51-year-old Senior Deputy and Field Training Officer Terry Faughtenbery.
At this time officials believe Faughtenberry suffered a medical emergency.
Shortly before midnight Monday a store clerk at a gas station along Highway 90 noticed the male deputy was sitting in his vehicle with the engine running and the doors locked. The cashier and a customer hit the windows on the patrol car to try and check on the deputy, but he did not respond.
An ambulance was called to the scene, and first responders broke a window to get the deputy out. They tried to render first aid, but the deputy died at the scene.
Family members were notified, and other sheriff’s deputies gathered to form a procession to take the deputy to the medical examiner.
Senior Deputy Faughtenbery began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in May 1990. He devoted his career of service to the citizens of east Harris County for 21 years primarily working the night shift, according to HCSO.
Senior Deputy Faughtenbery was a mentor to the deputies that he trained as a Field Training Officer, many of whom would go on to serve with him in District III.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of one of our own,” stated Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “The loss of a fellow peace officer is felt throughout our department and throughout the east Harris County community he faithfully served.”
Off duty, Faughtenbery loved poetry, often sharing his law enforcement themed poems with friends. Faughtenbery’s poems have been published locally, and were favorited amongst peers.
Senior Deputy Faughtenbery is survived by wife, daughter, father and sister.
He is preceded in death by his twin brother Jerry Faughtenbery , who was also a Harris County Sheriff’s deputy.