Keith George Ruiz was a 36-year-old Hispanic deputy with the Travis County Sheriff’s Department, serving 12 years when he was killed on February 15, 2001. He was part of a SWAT team working with the Capital Area Narcotics Task Force serving a narcotics warrant at a mobile home. As officers identified themselves and tried to enter, the suspect inside immediately opened fire. Deputy Ruiz was struck in the chest between two panels on his bullet-proof vest, flown to a local hospital, and succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect who opened fire was charged with capital murder and later sentenced to life in prison. Ruiz was survived by his wife and three sons. His death prompted memorials and tributes, his name was added to fallen-officer memorials, and the case renewed attention to protective gear and high-risk operations training.

If anyone knew Deputy Ruiz or has information about that operation or its aftermath, please share what you remember.