On June 13, 2020, Deputy Juan Menchaca passed away after a courageous battle against COVID-19. He is the second Harris County Sheriff's Office employee to die after contracting the virus.

Deputy Menchaca was a 14-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and was most recently assigned to the courts’ division. He began his law enforcement career with the Nacogdoches Police Department, and he previously served 18 years as a Texas parole officer.

Deputy Menchaca was born to protect and serve. He was recognized in June 2019 for helping save a toddler. On November 13, 2018, he observed Deputy Neomi Roberts administering aid to a 2-year-old boy and responded to assist. Due to the quick actions of Deputy Roberts and Deputy Menchaca they were able to free the obstruction that was blocking the child’s airway.

He was looking forward to retiring and spending quiet time in the country. Deputy Menchaca had a special way of putting people at ease. He listened. He showed genuine compassion to everyone he encountered. He loved his community, and his community loved him back.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez asked the entire community to honor Deputy Menchaca by doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. He and his wife Melissa had seven children. Deputy Juan Menchaca was the 47th member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty.