DPS Honors Fallen Trooper in Childress

CHILDRESS, TX — Hundreds of people gathered Thursday at Childress High School to honor Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero, who was killed in the line of duty last week.

Romero's wife and two young sons were joined by family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers as they paid their final respects. State Sen. Charles Perry attended the service, along with Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach, Commissioners Nelda Luce Blair, Larry B. Long and Dan Hord III, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, Lt. Col. Walt Goodson, Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee and other DPS leaders from across the state.

“In his short life, Trooper Romero proved to be a true lawman who proudly wore the badge and the Texas tan,” Col. Martin said. “There is no doubt that he cared about the people of his community, and we will ensure that everyone remembers his legacy and the sacrifice he made in service of the state he loved. I ask that you please continue to keep his wife, two sons, friends and colleagues in your prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

Romero, 27, was killed June 17 while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 287 near Childress. According to DPS, a truck-tractor semi-trailer pulled out in front of his patrol vehicle, causing the collision. Romero was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Romero graduated from DPS Recruit Class B-2025 in September and was stationed in Childress. Before joining DPS, he served with the Memphis Police Department and the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

He is the 244th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.