HOUSTON, TX - Houstonians are paying tribute this morning to HPD Sgt. Steven Perez, a 34-year veteran who will be honored for his sacrifice during Hurricane Harvey. Funeral services for Perez will begin at 9:30 am, at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 1111 St. Joseph Parkway in Houston, TX.
56-year-old Perez tried to report for duty on Sunday, August 27 to help save Hurricane Harvey victims. He drove in heavy rain to answer the call to service at around 4 am that morning. When Perez didn't show up for work, police then tracked his phone to the Hardy Tollway and Beltway 8, an area submerged with floodwaters. Perez tragically drowned in floodwaters from Harvey while he was attempting to report to his command station on Aug. 27. Chief Art Acevedo said that Perez tried courageously to get to his command and report that he could not make it through the storm to get to his duty station.
On Wednesday morning starting around 7:30 am, there will be several streets which will be shut down near Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the funeral of Houston Police Sgt. Steven Perez.. Streets which will be closed include Fannin, Saint Joseph's Parkway, and San Jacinto.
After the funeral service, HPD will then render honors and escort the funeral procession to his final resting place. Perez's funeral service is slated to start at 9:30 a.m. His body will then be laid to rest in a private service at the Houston National Cemetery
Donations are being accepted to "The 100 Club Survivors Fund", that provides benefits to the dependents of Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers who lose their life in the line of duty. Contributions are being accepted at: 100 Club Survivors Fund,5555 San Felipe Street Suite 1750, Houston TX 77056-5527
Members of the public who wish to observe the motorcade as it processes toward Houston National Cemetery may do so by observing the following route:
From Downtown Houston to the North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45)
North Freeway to North Sam Houston Parkway East
North Sam Houston Parkway East service road to Veteran's Memorial
The procession is estimated to take place between 11:30 a.m. and noon.