Daniel Irvin Rucker and Ricky Carrisalez
RGV South Texas Veterans
October 21 marks the birthday of a fallen hero born right here in Brownsville. Let’s take a moment to remember Trooper David Irvine Rucker and the life behind his name.
Trooper David Irvine Rucker was born in Brownsville, but grew up in Homestead, Florida, and later studied at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. He graduated from the Dade County Police Academy and served with the Homestead Police Department before continuing his law enforcement career in Texas.
Trooper David Irvine Rucker was born in Brownsville, but grew up in Homestead, Florida, and later studied at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. He graduated from the Dade County Police Academy and served with the Homestead Police Department before continuing his law enforcement career in Texas.
Patrolman Enrique “Ricky” L. Carrisalez was a young Los Fresnos officer who was just 25 years old and had served for 11 months.
Their names remain part of our community. The Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center near Olmito bears their name, and in 2012, DPS dedicated a Rio Grande River patrol vessel in Rucker's honor. Those memorials help carry his story forward.
But remembering takes more than seeing a name on a building or a memorial. It means taking time to learn who that person was and recognizing the family and fellow officers who continue to carry that loss. We remember his service, his sacrifice, and his place in our Valley’s history.
Rucker joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1968 and was stationed in Port Isabel, serving the communities and roads many of us travel today.
On September 29, 1981, Trooper Rucker was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Cameron County. He was 37 years old and left behind his wife and three children. His family lost a husband and father, and our Valley lost a public servant.
On September 29, 1981, Patrolman Carrisalez stopped a speeding vehicle near the intersection of Texas Highway 100 and FM 1847. As he stepped out of his patrol vehicle, the other driver opened fire. Despite being wounded, Carrisalez returned fire. A civilian riding with him called for help and provided a description of the vehicle.
What Carrisalez did not know was that the same suspect had killed Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Rucker during another traffic stop just minutes earlier.
Their names remain part of our community. The Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center near Olmito bears their name, and in 2012, DPS dedicated a Rio Grande River patrol vessel in Rucker's honor. Those memorials help carry his story forward.
Patrolman Carrisalez died from his wounds on October 7, 1981. His badge number was 302.
Eleven months of service. A life cut short at 25. Those numbers tell only part of his story. Behind that badge was a person whose life mattered, whose service mattered, and whose loss remains part of our Valley’s history.
But remembering takes more than seeing a name on a building or a memorial. It means taking time to learn who that person was and recognizing the family and fellow officers who continue to carry that loss. We remember his service, his sacrifice, and his place in our Valley’s history.
Rest in peace, Trooper Rucker and Patrolman Carrisalez. You have not been forgotten.
Here at RGV South Texas Veterans, we honor his service and remember the family, friends, and fellow officers who carried that loss. Time should never erase the names of those who gave their lives serving our communities.
To our officers working tonight: stay alert, watch your six, and look out for one another.
Rest in peace, DPS Trooper Rucker and Patrolman Carrisalez. Brownsville and Los Fresnos remembers. We remember.
Behind those badges were people whose life mattered, whose service mattered, and whose loss remains part of our Valley’s history.
To our officers working tonight: stay alert, watch your six, and look out for one another.
Rest in peace, DPS Trooper Rucker and Patrolman Carrisalez. Brownsville and Los Fresnos remembers. We remember.
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