Harris County, TX – A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper who suffered life-threatening injuries during a traffic stop in Harris County has been awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Trooper Derrick Waters of Katy was conducting a traffic stop on Sept. 27, 2024, as part of the DWI Task Force aimed at reducing fatality crashes. While on the roadside, a vehicle traveling in the main lanes allegedly failed to follow the state’s “Move Over, Slow Down” law and struck Trooper Waters’ patrol vehicle before hitting the trooper himself.
Officials said Trooper Waters sustained severe injuries and has undergone an extensive recovery process. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, DPS presented Waters with the Purple Heart — an honor given to officers seriously injured in the line of duty.
The agency emphasized the ongoing importance of the Move Over, Slow Down law, which requires drivers to shift lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. “It could mean the difference between life and death,” DPS noted in its statement.
Trooper Waters’ courage and recovery serve as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily to protect Texas communities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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