HOUSTON – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today after news that Houston Police Department Sergeant Sean Rios was killed in the line of duty:

“Jan and I are saddened to hear of the passing of HPD Sergeant Sean Rios. Sgt. Rios was a 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department. He leaves behind 4 children, his parents, and brother. Sgt. Rios also has 2 cousins who serve as detectives in the HPD. Please pray for his family, friends, and colleagues at HPD.

“Sgt. Rios is the second Houston police officer to lose his life in 3 weeks, and the fourth Houston law enforcement officer to lose his life this year. Texas has lost 15 law enforcement officers in the line of duty in 2020. As Texans, we know that our brave first responders put their lives on the line for us every day and too often they give the ultimate sacrifice. Always back the blue.”