HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police Sgt. Harold Preston was honored by his friends and family during a service Thursday.
A private funeral for family, friends and HPD staff was held at Grace Church Houston at 14505 Gulf Freeway.
Here are some of the most memorable moments from the memorial service:
WATCH: Honor Network founder explains Sgt. Preston’s casket flag origin
WATCH: Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced the HPD Medal of Valor for Sgt. Preston
WATCH: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announces Oct.29 as Sgt. Preston day in the city of Houston
WATCH: Congressman Al Green presented Sgt. Preston’s family with a flag that flew over the US Capitol
WATCH: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee introduced a congressional resolution to pay tribute to Sgt. Preston
WATCH: Sgt. Preston’s memorial concludes with ceremonial flag folding
Earlier this morning, Sgt. Preston’s body was escorted from the Paradise Funeral Home to the church. His body was then escorted inside by his fellow Southwest Patrol Division officers.
Houstonians will also have the opportunity to pay their respects as Preston’s body is escorted back to Paradise Funeral Home.
The route will be as follows:
- Depart from Grace Community Church 14505 Gulf Freeway
- Right turn onto Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) service road (northbound)
- Left merge onto Gulf Freeway (northbound)
- Continue to North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) (northbound)
- Right exit towards Little York Road
- Left turn onto Little York Road (westbound)
In addition, HPD Chief Art Acevedo will hold a city-wide procession on Saturday for Houstonians to give a final goodbye Preston. The procession will move from Houston to east Texas, where he grew up, for his burial.
WATCH: Fiancée of fallen HPD sergeant says she forgives killer
Last Friday, Preston’s body was escorted to Lockwood Funeral Home in north Houston. On the way, members of the Houston Fire Department, who remain in mourning over the death of arson investigator Lemuel “DJ” Bruce, staged themselves on overpasses to salute the procession.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has asked that the city of Houston lift up his family in prayer, including his 23-year-old daughter.