On August 29, 2017, flooding from Hurricane Harvey disable the refrigeration system at the Arkema plant in Crosby, TX, which manufactures organic peroxides. The following day, people within a 1.5-mile radius were evacuated. As the trailers increased in temperature, the peroxides spontaneously combusted on August 31. Officials ignited the remaining trailers on Sunday, September 3, 2017. The evacuation zone was lifted on September 4, 2017.

Retired Deputy Bryan Sweetman was one of the deputies assigned to assist with traffic control and evacuations. At approximately 23:54 hrs, Deputy Sweetman drove through a chemical cloud that was released by the explosion. Deputy Sweetman and several others were treated and released from a local hospital. Deputy Sweetman continued to follow up for medical treatment from that day forward and was diagnosed with reduced lung function and interstitial fibrosis. Deputy Sweetman retired from the HCSO in December 2020 in preparation for a lung transplant, which he received in March of 2021. Deputy Sweetman continued to have medical issues related to his lungs and entered the hospital in February 2024. Retired Deputy Sweetman died on March 4, 2024.

At the time of his exposure to the chemicals released after the explosion, Deputy Sweetman held a position covered by the Texas Government Code, Chapter 615, and his injury and death are covered by Government Code 615.021. Deputy Sweetman is survived by his wife, Charla.

Deputy Bryan Sweetman served the Harris County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and honor until his retirement and death in the line of duty.

The loss of Deputy Sweetman is felt not only by the Sweetman family but also throughout the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office and our extended law enforcement community.