Deputy Sheriff Ray Edward Kovar, Dallas County Sheriff's Department, Texas

Deputy Sheriff Ray Edward Kovar

Dallas County Sheriff's Department, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, June 20, 1982

Add to My Heroes

Ray Edward Kovar

Deputy Kovar was shot and killed while he and his partner responded to a call for assistance on a prowler call at a business.

Upon their arrival at 3600 North Belt Line Road the officers split up and Deputy Kovar headed towards the back of the building. As he approached an air conditioning unit he observed someone crouching behind it. He ordered the suspect to stand up at which point shots were fired and Deputy Kovar was struck in the chest by a .38 caliber handgun. He was able to return fire and wound the suspect in the hand.

The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested. The man was convicted of capital murder and executed in 1998.

Deputy Kovar had been with the agency for eight years but had only recently transferred from the detention unit to the patrol division. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Executed in 1998

suspicious person

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 20, 2025