Lubbock Rallies Around Two Injured Deputies With Special Fundraiser Shirts

Monday morning, September 8th, brought a frightening scene on southbound Highway 87, where two Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputies were seriously injured after their patrol unit was struck by a semi-truck. The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. near the 98th Street overpass while the deputies were assisting a stranded motorist.

Get our free mobile app

Emergency Response at the Scene

According to officials, the deputies were standing outside their parked patrol unit when the semi collided with the empty vehicle, pinning the officers between the patrol car and the guardrail. Witnesses at a nearby gas station saw the crash unfold and immediately rushed over to help until emergency crews arrived.

READ MORE: Nearly Half Of Lubbock Families Struggle To Meet Basic Needs

First responders from the Lubbock Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and the Lubbock Fire Department quickly secured the scene. In all, three people were transported to University Medical Center—two deputies with serious injuries and one civilian with minor injuries.

Update on the Deputies

By early afternoon, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputies Cavazos and Martinez were the two officers hurt in the crash. Both are being treated at UMC and, thankfully, are expected to recover.

In statements released by the department, Deputy Martinez shared his gratitude: “Thank you for helping my partner when I couldn’t reach him.”

Deputy Cavazos added: “I appreciate everyone that helped. It could have gone a lot different without you there.”

Sheriff Rowe Thanks the Community

At a news conference, Sheriff Kelly Rowe praised the actions of bystanders and fellow first responders who rushed in to help. He said he appreciated the chance to personally thank citizens who stepped up in such a critical moment.

READ MORE: Lubbock it or Leave it: Ten Signs You’re from the Hub City

Sheriff Rowe also asked anyone who assisted Deputies Cavazos and Martinez to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office so their help can be formally recognized. Citizens can call or text the Public Information Office at 806-620-9077, send a message through the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, or use the “Contact Us” form on the department’s website or app.

Investigation Ongoing

The Lubbock Police Department’s Major Crash Unit is leading the investigation to determine exactly what caused the semi to strike the parked patrol vehicle. In the background of Sheriff Rowe’s press conference were photos of the patrol unit showing the driver’s side crushed against the guardrail—an image that underscores just how dangerous this crash truly was.

A Call to the Community

The Sheriff’s Office is urging all drivers to remember one simple rule that can prevent tragedies like this: when you see vehicles on the side of the road, slow down and move over. It’s the law, and it protects the men and women who are out there working to keep us safe.

Lubbock knows how to take care of its own, and right now two of our deputies could use a little help.

Tindal Design Steps Up

Tindal Design Studio has stepped up in a big way, creating special t-shirts for Deputy Cavazos and Deputy Martinez. The shirts are available for pre-sale right now, and all proceeds will go directly to the deputies as they recover at home.

The 100 Club of West Texas is also on board, partnering with Tindal Design Studio to make sure every dollar raised goes toward unexpected expenses the deputies may face during their recovery.

It’s a simple, powerful way to show support: grab a shirt, wear it proudly, and know you’re helping two men who put their lives on the line for Lubbock County.

You can pre-order the shirts here: Tindal Design Studio – Lubbock County S.O. Collection

If you’d rather share the link directly, the Sheriff’s Office has also posted it to their official Facebook page.

Jerimy Tindal may be a retired Maryland state trooper, but his heart is all West Texas these days. When he launched Tindal Design Studio last July, the goal was simple: create cool, local gear for folks here in Lubbock. But when an officer back in his old stomping grounds was shot in the line of duty, Tindal put his skills to work designing a fundraiser shirt. What started as a plan to raise about two grand exploded into more than $6,000 donated to the injured officer. That success lit a spark, and now Tindal is bringing the same idea home—using his shirts to help support the Lubbock County deputies injured in the line of duty.

This is one of those times where even the smallest gesture makes a big difference. If you’re able, order a shirt and share the link so others can do the same. Let’s show these deputies—and their families—how much West Texas has their back.

The Bottom Line

Two of Lubbock County’s own are recovering today thanks to the quick actions of Good Samaritans and first responders. Deputies Cavazos and Martinez will continue to heal, and the community they serve is rallying right behind them.