[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7238-S7239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DEPUTY SANDEEP DHALIWAL
Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, on September 27, 2019, Harris County lost
one of its finest when Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal's life was taken in the
line of duty. Pyara Dhaliwal, Deputy Dhaliwal's father, lost his hero.
That is exactly who Deputy Dhaliwal was, a hero. He was deeply
committed to his faith, his family, and to serving others with
compassion.
Moved by his Sikh faith, Deputy Dhaliwal was a trailblazer. When he
was first recruited by the sheriff's office, Deputy Dhaliwal petitioned
the office to allow him to wear his turban and beard while in uniform,
becoming the first to be allowed to do so.
Deputy Dhaliwal has left a profound legacy on the law enforcement
community. Since his death, the Houston Police Department and all eight
county constables have changed their policies to allow officers to wear
and carry articles of faith on duty. Deputy Dhaliwal's commitment to
his faith will inspire generations of Sikhs and other religious
minorities to serve in law enforcement and protect our communities.
Deputy Dhaliwal was also a dedicated husband, father, son, and
brother. His wife Harwinder Kaur Dhaliwal and their three beautiful
children Japdeep, Noordeep, and Pardeep and their family and friends
have dedicated their lives to ensuring his legacy endures.
We also remember Deputy Dhaliwal's commitment to love and peace, a
love and peace he showed not only while on duty, but to each person he
served.
When Hurricane Harvey decimated the Texas Gulf Coast, Deputy Dhaliwal
served meals to Houstonians who were left homeless. In the wake of
Hurricane Maria, he traveled to Puerto Rico to assist in the relief
efforts there. He also worked to deliver water and supplies to Punjab,
India, while the area was suffering from a severe drought.
Deputy Dhaliwal leaves behind an unmistakably beautiful legacy of a
life marked with faith, devotion, and service to others.
I am grateful my colleagues have moved to rename the U.S. Postal
Office
[[Page S7239]]
in Houston the ``Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building,''
to ensure Deputy Dhaliwal's selfless service and heroism is remembered.
This community and the entire State of Texas are better for having
known him.
____________________