On November 2, 2020, Deputy Johnny Tunches passed away from COVID-19 complications. He is the third Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy to die after contracting COVID-19.

Deputy Johnny Tunches was a 29-year veteran of the agency who was assigned to Patrol District 2 in northeast Harris County as a Contract Deputy for the Timber Hills neighborhood.

He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. Deputy Tunches began his public service career in 1991 at a former detention center in the Atascocita area before working as the first entry point at the Inmate Processing Center. In 2018, he was named Deputy of the Month, a testament to his dedication. The recognition came shortly after he worked a major accident as the lead investigator where a vehicle rolled over and left the driver trapped and incapacitated for more than an hour. He served in many capacities in detention and patrol, including as a high-water vehicle operator.

Deputy Tunches was part of a family of public servants. His younger brother, Randy, retired with the Sheriff’s Office as a Lieutenant. He is survived by his wife and his three daughters. Deputy Tunches is the 49th member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty.