(Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced legislation to name a post office in Houston after Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, the first Sikh police officer to serve in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office while maintaining his articles of faith. Deputy Dhaliwal was killed in the line of duty on September 27, 2019.

The bill provides that the post office located at 315 Addicks Howell Road will be named the “Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.”

“Deputy Dhaliwal represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “The Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office will serve as a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all. I am honored to be able to recognize Deputy Dhaliwal in this way, and look forward to working with all of my Texas colleagues to pass this legislation quickly.”

“This is a fitting honor for my late friend, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal. As a member of the community, he inspired many—with a vibrant spirit and infectious optimism. His loss has left a void, but his legacy will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the entire community,” said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

“Deputy Dhaliwal was a committed member of our office and community who served with the utmost integrity. Thanks to Congresswoman Fletcher for honoring his service and sacrifice with the introduction of this legislation,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

In 2015, Deputy Dhaliwal became the first Sikh American in Texas to receive a policy accommodation to serve while wearing his articles of faith, including his turban and beard.

Last month, the Houston Police Department announced a policy allowing officers to wear articles of faith while on duty, becoming the largest law enforcement agency in Texas to do so.

In October, Congresswoman Fletcher led the entire Houston delegation in introducing H. Res. 616, a resolution to honor the life and mourn the loss of Deputy Dhaliwal and spoke on the House floor.