Houston-area K9 and handler awarded Purple Hearts after deputy's killing

Deputy Louis Deacon and K9 Rocky were wounded while tracking down a suspect who killed a Brazoria County sheriff's deputy.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A year after a Brazoria County sheriff's deputy was shot and killed while trying to arrest a wanted fugitive, the K9 officer and a fellow deputy wounded in the search for that suspect have been awarded Purple Hearts. K9 Rocky was shot twice while locating the suspect, who was later killed in the encounter. Deputy Louis Deacon also suffered shrapnel wounds. Both have since recovered and returned to duty.

Why it matters

The awards highlight the dangers law enforcement officers and their K9 partners face in the line of duty, as well as the bravery and resilience required to continue serving their communities after traumatic incidents.

The details

In January 2025, Brazoria County Sheriff's Deputy Jesus Garza Vargas was shot and killed while attempting to take a fugitive into custody. Hours later, K9 Rocky located the suspect hiding in a dumpster, but the suspect shot Rocky twice before being killed by return fire from Deputy Deacon and other officers. Deputy Deacon also suffered shrapnel wounds in the shooting. Both Rocky and Deacon have since recovered and returned to work.

  • In January 2025, Deputy Garza Vargas was killed.
  • Hours later, K9 Rocky located the suspect.

The players

K9 Rocky

A K9 officer who was shot twice while locating a suspect who killed a Brazoria County sheriff's deputy, but has since recovered and returned to duty.

Deputy Louis Deacon

A Brazoria County sheriff's deputy who was wounded by shrapnel in the shooting that killed the suspect, but has also recovered and returned to work.

Deputy Jesus Garza Vargas

A Brazoria County sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed while attempting to take a fugitive into custody.

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The takeaway

This story underscores the sacrifices made by law enforcement and their K9 partners to protect their communities, and the importance of recognizing their valor and resilience in the face of tragedy.