Richard "Rico" Castilleja Garcia

He is survived by his devoted wife, Angelita. Children - Alissa Trevino, Dominique Walker, Natalie Nicole and Richard Marcus Garcia ll. His cherished Grandchildren-Isabella, Elena, and Mia Porras. Isabella and Zoe Trevino. His Brothers-David, Joe, Steve, Gilbert and his only sister Elizabeth.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that he not be remembered for how he passed, but instead remembered for how he lived.His words to live by were“ Strength & Honor”

Kindness, compassion, dedication(To both family and friends) Leadership and the ability to inspire others to become a better version of themselves. These choice words best describe this wonderful man.

After graduating from Jeff Davis High School, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1972 ,at the young age of 17. After being honorably discharged, Rico joined the Houston Police Department at age 20. Over the course of Rico‘s law-enforcement career, he worked in several divisions.

He was assigned to the Narcotics division , working as an Undercover Officer. He served 10 years as a Homicide Detective in the Chicano Squad division. After being promoted to Sergeant, Rico was assigned to the southwest tactical unit as a supervisor. As a certified criminal prison/street gang expert, he educated criminal justice, professionals, and numerous law-enforcement agencies in and out of Texas. Rico was also assigned to the internal affairs division for a few years before returning to the narcotics division as a sergeant supervisor in 1998.

In recognition of his extraordinary leadership and dedication to public service, he was the 1988 recipient of Houston’s 100 club "Officer of the year", Narcotics supervisor of the year in 2002 and 2007,

Parade Magazine's Top Cop Award In 2007. On May 10, 2010, he was awarded the Houston Police Department lifetime achievement award.

Rico Garcia retired from HPD on May 28, 2010. He was presented by the City Of Houston’s Mayor

Annie Parker, A proclamation declaring May 28, 2010 as supervisor Sergeant Richard” Rico “ Garcia Day.

**Honorable Mention - Rico was also a founder and a former President of the Organization of Spanish speaking officers(O.S.S.O) which lead to his involvement on acquiring bilingual pay that Spanish speaking officers Receive to date.

In 2009 Rico founded The Thin Blue Line -Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. (TBL- LEMC) , an organization that Fosters camaraderie among law-enforcement officers and support their shared mission of service. TBL members are active duty, retired, or reserve law-enforcement officers, from a variety of agencies and jurisdictions, along with their family and civilian friends who support law enforcement in their profession.

Rico also founded the TBL Foundation. This Organization takes special pride in their Assist the Officer (ATO) Volunteers within his Club. The foundation provides financial and moral support to all the families and communities of America’s First responders and military warriors.

Rico‘s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to family, community and those who served alongside him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

In Lieu of fresh flowers, the family prefers for plants to be sent in memory of Rico, so that they may plant a garden in his honor.

A visitation for Rico will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A rosary will occur Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, Texas 77060. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Rd, Houston, TX 77065. A committal service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.