She knew what she wanted to do the moment she graduated high school. At 24, Deputy Erika Serrato, whose Watch Ended on Sunday, June 28th, 2026, when she was killed in the early morning hours on Interstate 45. Erika had been with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for six years. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle wrote a poignant Facebook post that afternoon dedicated to the life of Deputy Serrato, stating that when he assumed office as Sheriff, he knew he would have to face some tough days, and when one of your deputies falls in the line of duty, that it would take a little piece out of him.
Doolittle praised Serrato for her duty in keeping the community safe, and protecting others she swore her to in her oath. Deputy Serrato responded to a multiple vehicle accident on I-45 North in The Woodlands when a heavy-duty commercial vehicle struck her while directing traffic.
“There are no words that can fully express the grief our Sheriff’s Office is experiencing today,” said Sheriff Doolittle. “Erika was not just a Deputy, she was family. She wore the badge with honor, served with unwavering courage, and represented the very best of our profession.”
Doolittle acknowledged the danger that law enforcement officers face daily, and the chance that every time that a deputy suits up to go on shift, there is a slim reminder that they may return to their family and friends. The Sheriff quoted scripture, Acts 13:36, which is indicative that “life is not measured by its length, but by the purpose it fulfills.”
“Today, as we grieve Deputy Erika Serrato, we also recognize a life that was fully given in service,” said Doolittle. “Her watch has ended, and her duty here is complete. She served with courage, she protected others, and she fulfilled her calling in the time she was given.”
Erika’s family no doubt loved her very much, and Montgomery County grieves alongside them, her friends and colleagues, all of whom will need strength to persevere through these tough times. In addition to the death of Deputy Serrato, another MCSO Deputy was injured in the incident. Sheriff Doolittle thanked the Texas Highway Patrol for their control of the scene following the incident, as well as other agencies including the EMS and medical professionals for their intervention in the devastating tragedy.
“Deputy Erika Serrato’s watch has ended, but her legacy will endure,” said Sheriff Doolittle. “We will honor her life, remember her sacrifice, and ensure that her name is forever etched into the proud history of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.”
Source: Read original article
Publisher: Veteran of the Week