Honoring Austin Police Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor

Austin Police Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor was killed last month following a crash with a tractor trailer that sent him to the hospital. He was traveling on FM 969 when a tractor-trailer attempted to make a U-turn in front of him at Decker Lane. Officer Traylor was unable to avoid a collision and his patrol car became pinned beneath the trailer. He was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital. He remained on life support and passed away on July 31st, 2021, after his organs were donated.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share with you the news that fellow Austin Police Officer Andy Traylor has passed away,” a notice from the Austin Police Association reads. Former APD Chief Brian Manley posted the announcement to Twitter. “Andy is leaving blessings for many people who will be receiving his organs through transplant,” the APA notice went on to say.

Those with the department said Traylor “never hesitated to answer emergency calls to protect people in the middle of the night.” One of those times came in 2014 when he helped pursue Rashad Owens, the man convicted of capital murder after he drove through a crowd of people during SXSW, killing four. Traylor later testified in the trial.

In 2018, Traylor was highlighted on APD’s Facebook page for its #BehindTheBadge feature, in which he said he loved being an officer because “new things happen each day.” Officer Traylor was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Austin Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and five children.

There are several charities and non-profit organizations that are currently raising funds for the family of Officer Traylor. Austin Cops for Charities is collecting donations for Traylor’s family. The 100 Club of Central Texas is also collecting money for his family on its website, https://100clubcentex.org, or you can donate by texting “100clubcentex” to 44321. Anything you can do at this extremely difficult time will be greatly appreciated by his loved ones.

Sadly, it seems almost daily we are hearing of another one of the brave men and women in Blue losing their lives in the line of duty. Whether it be through an accident such as this, or an act of violence by a cowardly criminal, it is a fact that there is an ongoing assault on our law enforcement officers. We please ask that you show your love and support for these heroes in any way possible. These are extremely difficult and dangerous times and law enforcement sacrifice so much of themselves for each of us. Personally thank them when you see them in public. Show your support with Back the Blue apparel and bumper stickers.