Officer becomes first casualty in Bellaire's history - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Police, family and friends are grieving over Cpl. Jimmie Norman.

Monday morning, the 53-year-old became a tragic note in the City of Bellaire's history book: the first officer to be killed in the line of duty.

"You know, I grieve for the family.  It's just heartbreaking," Bellaire resident Loretta Brooks said.  "I have a brother in law who does this on a daily basis so it hits close to home."

Judging by the growing memorial outside the police station, many feel the same way.  It is no surprise to Bellaire PD Chief Byron Holloway who described the area as "tight-knit."

Clearly distraught, Holloway said Norman was working an early shift.

"His current position today was patrol supervisor and I believe another officer had volunteered to work tomorrow, so he could stay home and spend Christmas with his family," Holloway said.

Now, family and close friends will spend the holiday grieving over what happened.

Norman, a 24-year veteran officer, responded to a chase call that led him into the City of Houston.  It ended with gunfire.

Just two hours into his shift, he was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

"We've got dispatchers sitting there, taking telephone calls.  We have officers responding to other people's problems today and they're setting this aside to do their job, but everyone's hurting," Holloway said.

Bellaire residents are also hurting.  They did not know Cpl. Norman personally but said they did not have to.  They know in their hearts he was always wearing the badge.

A fund has been set up for Norman:

Prosperity Bank
5123 Bellaire Blvd
Bellaire, Texas 77401
Account: 212237132