DPPD Officer Eddie Pereira retires, leaving behind a legacy of passion and excellence in law enforcement. Congratulations!
Officer Eddie Pereira retires June 1, 2023, after more than 32 exceptional years in law enforcement, and over 41 years in public safety total, when combined with his time at Houston Fire Department. Our best wishes for a joyful retirement follow Pereira, though we let him go reluctantly. Pereira has enthusiastically served the Deer Park Police Department since January 21, 1991, as a patrol officer. His passion for making a difference in his community through law enforcement has been consistently infectious to others in the agency. Pereira has been affectionately noted to be “ROD” by his colleagues. While this might more commonly be referred to as “retired on duty”, in Pereira’s case it was explained as “rookie on duty.” Pereira maintained consistent devotion and energy for his job across decades, inspiring others to pursue their work with joy and eagerness, no matter how many years of service they had given. His work ethic, enthusiasm and statistics have been the standard by which others could evaluate their own product. New officers aspired to be like him, many mentored with him, and he created countless enduring friendships out of his peers. In addition to the many “brothers” and “sisters” Pereira has on patrol, he is quick to thank the dispatchers, jailers, supervisors, administrative personnel and other first responders he has worked with over the years for his success, safety and development. He leaves out no part of the team – a brilliant example of what a great leader does at any rank. Eddie served Deer Park in many capacities, with excellence: Officer, Detective, Organized Crime Investigator, Honor Guard, Firearms Instructor, Breath Test Operator, Field Training Officer and accomplished K-9 handler of 16 years. His many accolades include: - 22 time Officer of the Month - 3 time Office of the Year - 3 time Mothers Against Drunk Driving Distinguished Service Award - 2 time American Legion Office of the Year - Medal of Valor for activity performed during Hurricane Ike - Rotary Office of the Month - 100 Club Honorable Mention for Excellence in Law Enforcement - Numerous commendation letters - K-9 awards Pereira’s passion is not limited to his work. He is a blessed family man and proud American citizen, having fled Cuba with his family in 1963. He has been a loving husband for 37 years, proud father to his son, and devoted to two K9s that remained in his home following their retirement. All of this, in addition to his extended law enforcement family. This post is long, yet not long enough, to describe all that Pereira has contributed to Deer Park for decades. With great love comes legacy. No one can deny the tremendous amount of passion he has served with, to our significant benefit. All who have looked to him as a brother, a mentor, a friend and a peer at this department will move forward in his honor, and his style, for years to come.