Sikh deputy sheriff shot dead left legacy of service and giving back

By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

Lt. Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, the first ever Sikh officer to wear a turban in Texas who doubled up as humanitarian warrior, was shot and killed in the line of duty today.

Dashcam video shows the Harris County Sheriff’s deputy walking back to his patrol unit when the suspect shot him in the back of the head while conducting a traffic stop on Friday afternoon (27 Sept), according to a local news report.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described Sandeep, a 10-year veteran of the department who leaves a wife and three children, as a ‘trailblazer’.

“He wore the turban. He represented his community with integrity, respect and pride. He was a leader,” he said, adding that they will continue his ‘legacy of service and a legacy of giving back’.

Sandeep also acted as the homeland security director of humanitarian agency United Sikhs.

“UNITED SIKHS fallen brother, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was a gift to the world. He is a legend, a hero, a devout #Sikh #American that spread #Seva (selfless service) in all walks of life. Sandeep Veerji was a wonderful role model to the community, the nation and a world ambassador of Seva. Wherever there was misery, a call for help, the need to give back – we would find Sardar Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal leading the way forward championing for all communities,” the agency shared in a social media update.

It noted that he had proudly served HarrisCounty Texas as a 10 year veteran, his country and the world as a sheriff and humanitarian.

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, United Sikhs said Sandeep had led a team of volunteers to provide disaster relief to those in need across Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In Punjab India, he led the effort to help the body to provide humanitarian aid for farmers working to survive a record drought.

UNITED SIKHS established this fund for Deputy Singh’s wife and three young children to help support their educational needs at this time. Go here.

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