On July 1, 1979, Reserve Deputy Joe Westbrook was working an extra job at a restaurant in the 2100 block of West 18th in Houston. Shortly after midnight, two men entered the restaurant, approached the counter and stated they were there to pick up a pizza. Deputy Westbrook was near a bench just across from the counter. One of the men began talking with Deputy Westbrook, while the other man made his way behind Deputy Westbrook, pulled a gun and literally executed the Deputy by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy Westbrook was shot three more times by the two gunmen, including a round that penetrated his ballistic vest and entered his chest. These injuries proved fatal to Deputy Westbrook. One of the suspects then turned, shot the cook and ran toward the manager’s office. The second suspect pulled two guns and held the patrons while the robbery was taking place. The manager, upon hearing the gunshots, pulled a weapon and took a position in his office. As the first suspect entered the office, the manager fired once striking him in the throat. The suspect was able to return fire, striking the manager in the hand. This suspect died at the scene. The second suspect then fled with Deputy Westbrook’s revolver. An intense investigation by a combined force of HPD and Sheriff’s Department investigators led to the recovery of Deputy Westbrook’s weapon and the arrest of the second suspect. Joe was an estimator for the Cummus Company. Reserve Deputy Joe Westbrook was 43 years old.