Officer Richard Lee Houston served with the Mesquite Police Department for 21 years and was a member of the S.W.A.T team for ten years. Houston was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call that occurred in a grocery store parking lot.

During his lengthy service, Houston received 48 Letters of Commendation, two Lifesaving Awards, a Police Commendation Bar, and a Certificate of Merit.

Richard enjoyed bird watching, fishing, kayaking, hunting, painting, reading, writing, jiu-jitsu, camping, baseball, listening to old music and spending time with his wife and three children.