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

“Earlier today, Sgt. Harold Preston was gunned down in the line of duty protecting his community. Sgt. Preston served Houston for 41 years, a testament to his remarkable dedication to service. Jan and I will be praying for Sgt. Preston’s family, friends and the Houston Police Department, and we ask that you join us in doing the same. We also pray for the quick recovery of Officer Courtney Waller, who was wounded in the same incident.

“It’s vitally important that Texans remember that law enforcement officers risk their lives for us every day to keep our communities safe.”