Murdered Sikh Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal Remembered For His Compassion, Helping Others
CYPRESS, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - The Texas sheriff's deputy who was described as "a trailblazer" for being the first Sikh deputy in his agency is being remembered for his compassion, warm smile and for a life marked by service to others.
Funeral services were held Wednesday near Houston for 42-year-old Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal.
He was fatally shot Friday during a traffic stop.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Dhaliwal was "a man of dedication, faith, love and compassion."
Thousands of people, including law enforcement personnel from the U.S. and Canada, attended the services, held at a sports arena.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, the nation's first Sikh state's attorney general, said Dhaliwal "inspired an entire generation of Sikhs to public service."
The suspect charged with Dhaliwal's murder remains jailed and could face the death penalty.
The Southlake Police Department shared a photo of some of its officers with other officers at the funeral.
The department said it "was honored to attend the funeral of hero deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal in Houston. Sgt. Diehl and Detective Roberson attended the funeral. We offer our deepest condolences for Deputy Dhaliwal's family and the Harris County Sheriff's Office."
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)