Sgt. George Villarruel Rodriguez

3B01… Dispatch calling 3B01… Sergeant Rodriguez, please respond.……All units be advised, no response for Sergeant George Rodriguez Badge #1807. George Villaruel Rodriguez made his final sign-off on Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Signing off from a beautiful, love-filled life. Born May 5th, 1939, Cinco de Mayo in Mexico City, in Mexico and reared in Tepic Nayarit, Mexico which was perfectly fitting because of his pride of his Mexican heritage. At the age of 12, he moved to Texas to live with his Aunt Elvira and Uncle Jesse Rodriguez, learned to speak English, and had a hard time ever sitting still again. He began his 34 year loyal, dedicated and heroic career at the Houston Police Department in November 1961 (Class #25). Here he established life-long brothers in blue. He valued relationships formed with pride of their hispanic culture, seeking to bring equality to HPD which they served loyally to protect their heritage and that of their Latino communities. Assisting in founding and serving on the board of the Organization of Spanish Speaking Officers (O.S.S.O.), he was instrumental in the bilingual testing that established value added bilingual pay for Spanish speaking officers. He would later instruct cultural diversity at the police academy, a great source of pride for him. HPD was the foundation for the best wingmen and bromances ever! Described by his closest friends as “a man’s man”, “a policeman’s policeman”, friendships were a priority to George and he nurtured and protected them. George was ranked as a “distinguished expert” shooter which earned him the name “rigor mortis” because of his calm, steady trigger pull and steely shooting stance. He would relish at this description in his obituary! His mastery lead him to instruct at the Police Academy and an invitation to train at Lackland Airforce Base. He won multiple state championships throughout Texas and Louisiana. His teaching motto: “Less Bullshit More Bullseye” In 1965 he married the love of his life, Alida Falcon Rodriguez with whom he fell in love at first sight- in church! Blinded by love, he gives Alida the option of a date or a traffic violation on his intimidating yet stable 3-wheeled motorcycle. Few of us will ever experience the rarity of their 60 years…True love, friendship, commitment, unbreakable vows and a hell of a good time. They raised a family with 3 children: 2 sons George Falcon, HPD senior officer, master commercial pilot and Aaron Falcon, HPD senior police robbery detective. And one exceptional daughter, Ingrid, whom he called “my best boy.” During their formative years they were taught to cuss properly, picked up from his time working Jail division, and witnessed how to raise fighter roosters in the backyard. His family was everything to him and he showed them how to be loving, hardworking, and to honor the law. “Never stain the uniform”. A self-taught handyman, he and Alida managed their own real estate and rental homes for extra income. He rarely slept and when he did, he snored …impressively! A professional Sunday driver after mass, always in search of the “best chicken fried steak” or “all you can eat catfish” found serendipitously only on back country roads. He taught his children to be kind, respectful, adventurous, and most importantly to “love and be good to each other, they are all you have when I’m gone.” On duty, March 30 1994, he was shot multiple times with an automatic 9mm weapon. Seriously wounded and as he lay bleeding, his thoughts immediately went to his family as he was rushed to the hospital, still alert: “tell my family that I love them” he said repeatedly. Our family will be forever grateful for the talented staff and the heroic doctors: Mark Wahl, Antonio Pacifico, Nadim Nasir, Ben Taub and The Methodist Hospitals for giving “Sarge” another life. The opportunity for another 30 years of life and love, to see his children wed, build families of their own get and get to know his 8 adoring grandchildren whom were also taught to cuss properly. He is predeceased by his parents Maria and Jose, his brother Hector, and sister Elda. He is survived by his sisters Gela Gradilla, Brenda Dominguez and brother Jose Luis Rodriguez. Left with all the colorful memories and language are his beloved wife Alida Rodriguez, son George F Rodriguez, daughter Ingrid Gonzalez Wood, and son Aaron F Rodriguez. His memory and legacy will live through his Grandchildren: George Hudson Rodriguez, Nikolaus Rodriguez, Kendall Rodriguez, McKenna Rodriguez, Alec Rodriguez, Jacob Gonzalez, Jet Gonzalez, and Gia Gonzalez. A special heartfelt thank you for George’s caregiver, Tommy Martinez, and to her husband, Domingo Martinez. We will stand together the thin blue line protecting the prey from predators, the good from the bad. The wicked flee when no-one pursues but the the righteous are bold as a lion. 28:1 Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 10 AM at Saint Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, TX 77007. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in honor of Sgt. George V. Rodriguez to O.S.S.O.

Sgt. George Villarruel Rodriguez

May 5, 1939 - March 26, 2024