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The community said goodbye Tuesday to Sgt. Bruce Watson, a 20-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office who died in a motorcycle crash.

On Jan. 2, Watson was killed in a crash shortly after serving as a police escort for a funeral procession in the Pearland area.

After Watson’s funeral service, the Sheriff’s Office conducted a ceremony with honors with a presentation of his motorcycle unit helmet to his wife, Tracy, a 21-year Houston Police Department veteran. 

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez released a statement honoring Watson that read, in part:

“The tributes to Sgt. Watson were an uplifting reminder of our camaraderie and promise to be by each other’s side. There are few undertakings so noble as the protection of your community. Sgt. Watson did just that, dedicating his life to serving others – first as a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in Operation Desert Storm, and then as a 20-year veteran of our agency. 

“Sgt. Watson received burial honors from the U.S. Army following a procession to the Houston National Cemetery. 

“His three children – Kierra, Brianna, and Bruce – and close friend Ethan said he loved being a peace officer and everything our badges represent. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, new grandfather, and treasured member of our agency. He will be missed by his teammates at the Emergency Dispatch Center and all who had the honor of knowing him. We will honor his memory by continuing to answer the call for service. 

“Please continue to pray that Sgt. Watson’s family finds comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and the many young deputies in our ranks he guided and mentored to be tomorrow’s leaders. We will keep him and his family in our hearts.”