Texas Highway Patrol Sgt. Paul Hernandez, 67, died after collapsing during physical readiness testing on Thursday.
Hernandez, who was stationed in Universal City, collapsed at the department’s regional office in San Antonio, according to local television station KSAT 12.
Department of Public Service Director Steven McCraw said the sergeant, who had worked for the highway patrol for more than 35 years, “touched countless lives during his decades-long service to the Department and the people of Texas and he will be missed.”
During his career, Hernandez had served with the Highway Patrol Division, Drivers License Division, and Criminal Law Enforcement Division which is now known as the Criminal Investigations Division.
As the 88th DPS officer to die in the line of duty, he is survived by his wife and son. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday and burial will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Lavon.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
