In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Dustin Kyle Speckels

Texas Deputy Dies from COVID19

On Sunday, May 30, 2021, Texas authorities came forward to brief the public that a local deputy had died due to the coronavirus pandemic. Deputy Sheriff Dustin Kyle Speckels, age 38, died due to complications from the virus. Speckels likely contracted the virus during the course of his duties as a law enforcement provider for his community in Hays County, Texas.

Speckels had served as a deputy with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office for more than 13 years. Before becoming a deputy, Speckels served for two years as a police officer with the San Angelo Police Department. Deputy Speckels wore badge number 5229 and was most recently working on the Hays County Narcotics Task Force.

Speckels graduated from Panther Creek High School in 2001. In 2004, he married and moved with his new wife to San Angelo, Texas. After hard work, Speckels graduated from the Police Academy in 2006. After graduation, he went to work with the San Angelo Police Department.

Deputy Speckels was a CLEAT member (Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas), TNOA (Texas Narcotics Officers Association). During his career, he earned many certifications, including obtaining his Master Peace Officer License. Speckels enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Hays County Sheriff’s Office

Speckels served with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. In 1836, the Republic of Texas initiated the post of sheriff for every county in the state. The state of Texas has 254 counties. The regulations stated in part that for each county, there be one sheriff and one coroner and an adequate number of justices of the peace. At first, the offices were held for two-year terms, but in 1954, it was changed to four years.

Today the Hays County Sheriff’s Office provides a full array of law enforcement services for the community. Officers patrol an area 680 square miles out of the HCSO headquarters, located in San Marcos, Texas. HCSO protects life and property of more than 160,000 residents. The officers also provide security for the county courthouse, manage county correctional facilities, and provides community outreach programs to residents in need.

Remembrances

His wife and children survive deputy Sheriff Dustin Kyle Speckels. Residents, neighbors, and friends, along with local law enforcement officers, will gather to celebrate the life lived by Deputy Speckels. The support will help the family during their time of grief.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office posted the following announcement to residents regarding the loss of Deputy Speckels. “It is with deep sadness that Sheriff Gary Cutler must report that on Sunday, May 30, 2021, Deputy Dustin Speckels passed away after a long battle with an illness. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office will be escorting Dustin and his family at approximately 12:15 pm today from Temple and taking him to Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos. Arrival time will be around 2:15 pm, where an Honor Wall of coworkers will await him. Funeral arrangements are still pending and will be released when available.”

Cpl. Gary Hughes, a retired officer with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, shared his personal condolences for the loss. “Rest in Peace, Deputy Speckels. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Speckels Family and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.”