The Hays County Commissioners Court declared the week of May 15-21, 2023 as Police Week at its May 2 meeting. Additionally, the court proclaimed May 18 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The observance seeks to “honor those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty.” The proclamation recognized the nine law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty serving Hays County.
Henry C. Banks Deputy Sheriff, HCSO EOW: Nov. 16, 1873
Manuel Phillipe De La Rosa Deputy Constable, Hays Pct. 2 EOW: Feb. 16, 2021
John S. Davis Jr. Deputy Sheriff, HCSO EOW: June 8, 1913
Randall W. Vetter Trooper, Texas DPS EOW: Aug. 3, 2000
Kenneth M. Copeland Officer, SMPD EOW: Dec. 4, 2017
Henry H. Joslin Night Watchman, KPD EOW: Jan. 31, 1905
Dustin Speckels Deputy Sheriff, HCSO EOW: May 30, 2021
Justin Putnam Officer, SMPD EOW: April 18, 2020
James Henry Correctional Officer, HCSO EOW: Aug. 27, 2021
