Fundraiser held for deputy killed in tragic accident

GALENA PARK, TX (KTRK) -- Many people turned out to help raise money for the family of Sheriff's Deputy Jesse Valdez who was killed in an accident. The benefit barbecue was held in Galena Park Sunday afternoon.

The money raised will go to the family of Harris County Deputy Jesse Valdez. He was killed in a crash earlier this week.

Deputy Valdez's tragic crash brought back painful memories for Jason Denham, a deputy injured in his own on-the job crash in January.

"Jesse Valdez was a real good friend of mine from work," said Deputy Jason Denham.

Denham says the two would spend their free time training and he came to this barbeque fundraiser for Valdez's family today because it's what Valdez did for him.

"When I got hurt you better believe he was there for me, coming to visit and coming to help my family out," said Deputy Denham.

Denham says Valdez's mom and young son need help, too, so that's what his friends are trying to do.

"Deputy Valdez was a sweetheart. He was the type of person that would light up a room when he walked in. He would take the shirt off his back to give it to you," said Valdez's friend Omar Charles.

Valdez died after a crash on East Wallisville Road. He was on his way to a welfare check, when investigators say another driver crossed into his lane, hitting him head-on.

"We truly appreciate every officer that does this for us. While we're sleeping, they're out there working making sure we're in good hands," Charles said.

"I'm there at 3 in the morning. The police come -- so when the police get hurt, who is there for them and their family -- the community," said Deputy Denham.