On May 29, 2019, Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Whitten was shot in the neck and seriously injured while trying to apprehend a murder suspect who had already killed two people at a plumbing shop in Cleveland Texas. Deputy Constables Laci Pierce and Brian Bortz, responded to the scene and provided lifesaving efforts to keep Deputy Whitten safe until the area was secure and medical personnel could attend to his injuries. The murder suspect later killed himself as law enforcement personnel closed in to make his arrest. Their actions saved the life of Deputy Whitten. Pct. 5 Deputy Constable David Hunter later stated, “I am honored that they had the training and the skills to be able to perform the duties that saved a fellow officer’s life. They were selfless. They risked their own lives to save his. I am very proud of both of them. Their skills as a medic and officer were invaluable to Deputy Whitten that day. Too many times, in this line of work, officers are scrutinized about what we do wrong, but not congratulated for all the things we do right. I’m very proud of all my crew at Pct. 5 for always taking care of our citizens and community, and for exceeding at times like this.” Unfortunately, what should have been a happy story took a tragic turn. In May 2020, Deputy Whitten became the shooters 3rd victim when he suffered a fatal heart attack during physical therapy.