Mission Police Department Memorial

Officer Humberto Avila
Killed in the Line of Duty October 2, 1974

Officer Humberto Avila was born on September 12, 1936. His parents were Ignacio Avila Garza and Elvira Avila. He served with distinction and valor for 6 years with the Mission Police Department. Shortly after midnight on October 2, 1974, Officer Humberto Avila (age 38) accompanied by Harlingen Police Department’s Dispatcher, Douglas Dodson (age 20) were involved in a helicopter accident at the Harlingen Industrial Airpark, both were killed in the accident.

Officer Fulgencio Velasco III, was born on August 31, 1952. He was the son of Fulgencio and Emilia Velasco. Officer Velasco III served with distinction and valor for 2 months on the Mission Police Department. On December 16, 1978, he was responding to a disturbance, which escalated to a confrontation with an armed suspect. During the armed confrontation, Officer Velasco III was struck by gun fire and he succumbed to his wounds. He was survived by his wife Linda Velasco and one daughter Sandra Velasco, as well as three brothers Hector, Fernando, Carlos, and three sisters, Counsuelo, Emilia and Rosie.

Corporal Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta Jr. was born on October 4, 1974. He  was the son of Jose Zozimo Gonzalez and Santitos McAllen Gonzalez. He began his law enforcement career with the San Benito Police Department in January of 2002, and in October of 2005, he joined the Mission Police Department and proudly served our citizens for 13 years and 9 months. On June 20, 2019, Corporal Espericueta Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice while performing his duty to serve and protect. He was struck by gunfire while responding to a call for service. Speedy is survived by his wife of 21 years, Roberta “Bobbie” Espericueta and his two children, Brianna and Joaquin Espericueta and will forever be remembered by his family and friends for his genuine smile, his great sense of humor and the abundance of love that he had for his family and brothers and sisters in blue.

Traffic Investigator Jorge Cabrera was born on May 6, 1978. He was the son of Roberto and Thelma Cabrera. He began his career with Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Officer in January of 2003. Investigator Cabrera was hired by Mission Police Department on July 7, 2008 and proudly served the citizens of Mission for 12 years. Investigator Cabrera passed away due to complications related to Coronavirus. He is survived by his wife, Amy Cabrera and his three children Amber, Elijah and Madeleine Cabrera. He will forever be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his smile and the love he had for our department.