On April 20, 2013 Deputy Key was killed about 10:30 PM when he was struck by a drunk driver. The deputy was directing traffic at an intersection when the accident happened. Instead of stopping, the driver fled the scene as the officer died in the street. The offender, when arrested, was found to be out of jail on bond for a previous DWI charge.
Deputy Key had been with the Grayson County Sheriff's Office for just over three years, but had served as a patrol officer for only two months at the time of his death. Although persons charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty, and have the right to post bail, the senselessness of this tragedy has been repeated so many times. "Professional" or habitual drunk drivers are released on bond, go to their favorite pub to get drunk again, and drive home while they are intoxicated. I wonder how many times this offender had made it home drunk without killing anyone or wrecking his vehicle.
May God be with the family of Deputy Key and with his fellow officers during this tragic time. I am honored to have the privilege to honor him in some small way on this blog.
I may be wrong, but I believe that Officer Key is the first Texas peace officer to die in the line of duty in 2013. If anyone knows of others, please correct me. A peace officer nearly lost his life in the disaster in West, Texas last week, but was found after a short search and treated for injuries sustained in the explosion. I pray for all police officers in Texas, that they may continue in what may be the safest year (relatively speaking) for police in decades.
No comments:
Post a Comment