HCSO Newsletter #100 — We Will Always Remember Sgt. Bruce Watson
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

Our Sheriff’s Office family came together on Tuesday to celebrate Sgt. Bruce Watson’s life. We were joined by his circle of loved ones and our extended law enforcement family at the Houston Police Department (HPD) to remember a great man of faith and community. After the service, we conducted a ceremony with honors and a presentation of Sgt. Watson’s motorcycle unit helmet to his wife Tracy, a 21-year HPD veteran and our sister in blue. 

The tributes to Sgt. Watson were an uplifting reminder of our camaraderie and promise to be by each other’s side. There are few undertakings so noble as the protection of your community. Sgt. Watson did just that, dedicating his life to serving others – first as a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in Operation Desert Storm, and then as a 20-year veteran of our agency. 

Sgt. Watson received burial honors from the U.S. Army following a procession to the Houston National Cemetery. 

His three children – Kierra, Brianna, and Bruce – and close friend Ethan said he loved being a peace officer and everything our badges represent. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, new grandfather, and treasured member of our agency. He will be missed by his teammates at the Emergency Dispatch Center and all who had the honor of knowing him. We will honor his memory by continuing to answer the call for service. 

Please continue to pray that Sgt. Watson’s family finds comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and the many young deputies in our ranks he guided and mentored to be tomorrow’s leaders. We will keep him and his family in our hearts. 
Detention Officer Samuel and His Family Displaced From Their Home After Fire
Detention Officer Genaro Samuel had just finished his shift at the jail last Saturday when he learned his home became engulfed in flames. His wife, daughter, and son were in the house when the fire started but escaped safely. Sadly, the family lost nearly all their belongings.

Detention Officer Samuel and his family are staying at a hotel provided by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Benevolence Association as they navigate the next steps and find a permanent place to live. We’re grateful for his family’s well-being and the outpouring of support they received from both teammates and residents. 

Every contribution, prayer, and positive thought lifts these families and makes our agency stronger. It exemplifies what community is all about – giving back and lending a helping hand to those in need and leaning on each other during challenging times. 

God bless you, and God bless the Sheriff’s Office. 
Follow Reserve Major O’Leary on a Prior Street Racing Initiative 
Congratulations To Our Newly Promoted Teammates
Join me in congratulating our teammates on their recent promotions and the next step in their public service journey. Their ongoing contributions to our agency help us better serve you. Click here for a photo album of the promotion ceremony.
HCSO News
"A former Houston police officer and city councilman, Gonzalez said finding creative ways to improve public policy has been a driving force of his career.

I think that it takes being smart on policy and making sure all parts of the system are working together and get to some individuals that have the best interest of all in mind."
"County and community leaders are now turning to gunfire detection technology to curb the problem.

'I’m optimistic that this pilot program in the Aldine community will complement the peace-keeping, community-oriented initiatives that are already in place and ultimately save lives,' Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said."
"According to the sheriff’s office, jail bookings were down last year by 25 percent. But the jail population is up by 300 people.

Sheriff Gonzalez says the pandemic slowed down the courts. And this means people are sitting in jail longer waiting for trial. He’s concerned a COVID outbreak could put everyone in danger."
"A mother was killed by an alleged drunk driver last week. Her 2-year-old daughter remains hospitalized.

And now the family hopes this tragedy serves as a lesson to others to think twice before getting behind the wheel while under the influence."
HCSO Social Media
Funeral Services for Sgt. Bruce Watson
Human Trafficking Is a Crime That Occurs Across the U.S. and Here in Harris County, and We Need Your Help To End It
New Detention Officers Receive Crisis Recognition Classroom and Scenario-Based Training 
Miss Last Week's Newsletter?
HCSO Newsletter #99 - In Loving Memory of Sgt. Bruce Watson

Our entire Sheriff's Office family is saddened by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our long-time brother, Sgt. Bruce Watson, and the senseless violence at a Midtown nightclub that led to three deputies wounded by gunfire and the death of a...

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