Is an officer who dies from alcohol or substance abuse eligible for the TCOLE memorial?

A police officer who dies as a result of alcohol or substance abuse is not eligible for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) memorial. The TCOLE memorial is designed to honor officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving their communities in a responsible manner. Deaths resulting from personal choices, such as self-inflicted harm due to substance abuse, are generally not viewed as arising from official duties.

This distinction emphasizes the importance of integrity and the responsibilities associated with law enforcement. The memorial is reserved for those who honorably lose their lives while performing their duties, underscoring both the risks associated with police work and the commitment to upholding the law and community safety. This is why officers dying from such causes do not meet the criteria for commemoration in the TCOLE memorial.