HOUSTON (TIP): US House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bipartisan bill to rename a post office in Houston, Texas in honor of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, an Indian American police officer killed in the line of duty last year.

Passed last week, the bill moved by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher provides that the post office located at 315 Addicks Howell Road be named the “Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.”

The bill was co-sponsored by the entire Texas delegation.

In 2015, Lt. Dhaliwal became the first Sikh American in Texas to receive a policy accommodation to serve while wearing his articles of faith, including his turban and beard.

He was the first Sikh police officer to serve in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and was a role model and a trailblazer for Sikh Americans and religious minorities that sought to serve in law enforcement.

On Sept.  27, 2019, Deputy Dhaliwal was killed in the line of duty.

“Deputy Dhaliwal represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others,” said Fletcher.

“The Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office will serve as a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all.”

“I am very grateful to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and her commitment to honoring my husband’s memory.  He loved being a part of and serving his community,” said Harwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Deputy Dhaliwal’s wife.

“Naming a post office after him will honor his work and dedication, and I am happy that this bill has passed the House today.”

“My son was beloved by all in his community, and performed his job and participated in seva (selfless service) with respect, dignity, and care,” said Pyara Singh Dhaliwal, Deputy Dhaliwal’s father.

“He lived as a symbol of the strength that comes from diversity and unity, and this building will serve as another permanent reminder of how much he meant to our family and the people of Houston.

“We are so thankful for this effort to honor his legacy and his commitment to our city.”

“The recognition of Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy by naming a federal building in his honor is a historic and deeply meaningful acknowledgement for the Dhaliwal family and Sikh community,” said Sim J. Singh, Sikh Coalition Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy.

“It is remarkably appropriate that the post office being renamed for Deputy Dhaliwal is in the very district he patrolled and protected,” said Harris County Commissioner R. Jack Cagle.

“This renaming not only honors Deputy Dhaliwal and his family, but also honors the citizens who use it because it bears the name of such a fine public servant.”

“Sandeep was no ordinary law enforcement officer,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, noting “Dhaliwal name and the distinction of being the first Sikh to serve in the uniform of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office will live on in perpetuity,”

“Deputy Dhaliwal established deep, meaningful connections with the community he bravely served,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.