La Porte, Texas is in mourning following the sudden death of Police Chief Doug Ditrich after a tragic accident in Milam on Sunday. Chief Ditrich, who ascended to the role of police chief in May 2023, was remembered for a storied career beginning in December 1997 which saw him take on numerous roles from patrol to SWAT and detectives, FOX 26 Houston reports.
The loss has dealt a heavy blow to the department, which is now offering counseling assistance to its staff members, while Assistant Chiefs Boles and Pullig step in to manage operations in the wake of this unexpected event; the department confirmed that the tragic incident happened in Sabine County and emphasized no foul play or connections to official duties, according to KHOU.
City Secretary Lee Woodward declared Chief Ditrich's passing "has deeply saddened the city" and acknowledged that Ditrich was instrumental in developing the department's fitness program, in addition to his educational achievements, FOX 26 Houston details.
