Deputy Leo Busby and Deputy Alvin Baker made history on November 16, 1950 when they became the first black employees hired as regular deputies by the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. On Thursday, September 10, 1953, Deputy Busby and Deputy Baker, were working as partners and were enroute back to Houston after delivering a prisoner to Rusk State Hospital. As they entered the community of New Hope, a large soft drink delivery truck was traveling north on Highway 69 coming toward them. The soft drink truck suddenly pulled across the roadway in front of their vehicle. Deputy Baker swerved to the right to avoid the collision, but lost control of the car and entered a ditch, causing the vehicle to roll. Deputy Busby was ejected from the vehicle and suffered head and neck injuries, killing him instantly. Deputy Baker was taken to Rusk Memorial Hospital in Rusk, Texas suffering from internal injuries. Leo Busby was born in Texas on September 10, 1907 to his parents, David and Kate Lendley Busby. He was married to Bertha Busby and they had one daughter named Gladys Ray Busby. Before joining the Harris County Sheriff’s Department he worked as a truck driver. Deputy Busby was a popular member of the Department who enjoyed working with juveniles. He was 46 years old at the time of his death. Deputy Busby was the 7th deputy to die in the line of duty.