On July 6, 2019, Deputy Omar Diaz was on duty, assisting at the scene of an assault in northwest Harris County. While assisting, Deputy Diaz fell ill. Deputy Diaz was taken to a local hospital, where he died shortly after, at 8:22 a.m. Deputy Diaz is survived by his wife and daughter, who was 7 at the time.

"Deputy Diaz served his community with honor and distinction," said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. "The entire Harris County Sheriff's Office family is grieved by the tragic loss of our brother."

Deputy Diaz joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 as a detention officer assigned to the 701 San Jacinto jail. After numerous years of service in the jail, Deputy Diaz enrolled in the HCSO Basic Peace Office Course to become a deputy. On August 30, 2018, Deputy Diaz, along with his academy teammates, graduated from the BPOC. He would be assigned to patrol in the northwest area of Harris County. Teammates of Deputy Diaz described him as someone who was unmatched in his enthusiasm and zeal for the job. He loved helping people and was committed to serving the community. Deputy Diaz always came to work with a smile on his face.

Deputy Diaz would spend his days off duty volunteering at his daughter’s school during book fairs and field days. Spending time with his daughter is what Deputy Diaz loved to do. Friends described Deputy Diaz as an excellent cook, listening to Cumbia music while preparing dinner with his daughter.

Deputy Diaz is the 44th Harris County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty.