Fiancee of fallen HPD sergeant speaks exclusively with ABC13

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A day after Houston police Sgt. Harold Preston died while doing a job that he's done for the last 41 years, the woman he was engaged to marry spoke exclusively to ABC13.

Preston's fiancée, Flenda Whitney, remained in shock over the lifelong law enforcement officer's death.

Facts about Preston's life emerged in the immediate aftermath of his death, including that he was on the brink of retirement.

Whitney said he put it off multiple times. He was set to retire last year, but pushed that back in March, then June, and then September.

According to Whitney, he offered a couple of reasons, all tied to the love of his job.

"I knew early on that he was very devoted to the job," she said.

WATCH: Fallen HPD sergeant's fiancée says he loved job too much to leave

Speaking exclusively to ABC13, Flenda Whitney, the fiancée of fallen HPD Sgt. Harold Preston, gave insight into the law enforcement veteran's reasons for still working a job he's done everyday for 41 years.

Though it looked as if retirement loomed up until his death, Whitney mentioned Preston had several things he wanted to do after HPD.

"I told him, 'You don't have all the time in the world,'" Whitney said.

In a tragic coincidence, Whitney said Preston had just bought a motorcycle last Friday as a retirement gift to himself.

The couple had known each other since 1985, but it wasn't until five years ago that the two hit it off again.

"He was truly a gentle person," she said. "He had a tremendous amount of respect."

It was the type of respect that was homegrown. Preston had continued to care for his parents, even to this day.

"He felt like he was the only one who should do it, being the only child," Whitney said.

WATCH: Suspect didn't destroy fallen HPD sergeant's legacy, fiancée says

Even though he's passed on, Houston police Sgt. Harold Preston's legacy did not end in that act of violence, said the HPD veteran's fiancée. In the video, Flenda Whitney talks exclusively on her thoughts about the man suspected of killing the sergeant.

Above it all, though, Whitney remained strong but emotional so soon after her fiancé's death.

SEE MORE: Fallen HPD Sgt. Harold Preston was about to retire this year

HPD Sgt. Harold Preston, a 41-year veteran of the force, was shot multiple times.

WATCH: The most powerful moments from procession for Sgt. Harold Preston

Sgt. Harold Preston devoted his life to his family and the Houston Police Department. He was a 41-year veteran of the force. In a touching procession on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Preston was honored all throughout the city. See the most emotional moments in the video above.

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