Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, share resources, and remind one another that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
This year, our HCSO family has felt the profound loss of current and former teammates to suicide. Their absence is a solemn reminder of the heavy stress, fatigue, and emotional strain that law enforcement professionals often carry. We honor their memory by renewing our commitment to one another: to speak openly, to check in, and to stand side by side in times of struggle.
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Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicide often doesn’t happen without signals. Some signs to look for include:
- Talking about wanting to die or end their life.
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden.
- Expressing great guilt, shame, or having no reason to live.
- Showing severe anxiety, agitation, rage, or sudden mood swings.
- Sudden improvement or calmness after a period of depression.
- Giving away cherished possessions.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a colleague, please reach out. A simple conversation can truly be lifesaving.
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Resources for Our Teammates: At HCSO, support is here for you.
Behavioral Health Division (BHD): Offers voluntary and confidential counseling services to help teammates navigate stress, trauma, and personal challenges. Services are free and by appointment, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Call 346-286-3150.
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Peer Support Network (PSN): Connects employees with specially trained colleagues who understand the unique pressures of this job. Sometimes, talking to a peer who has “been there” makes all the difference. Available 24/7 at 346-286-3175 or by email at HCSOPeerSupportAdmin@hctx.net. Anyone interested in joining the Peer Support Network (PSN), should simply fill out THIS application. and email the completed form to HCSOPeerSupportAdmin@hctx.net
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You’re Not Alone
Suicide prevention begins with awareness, but it grows through connection, compassion, and care. Whether through counseling, peer support, or simply checking in on a colleague, each of us has a role in creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help — and where support is always within reach.
Additional Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential help anytime. Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
- The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD: 24-hour Crisis Line at 713-970-7000 (Option 1), including emergency psychiatric care and mobile crisis outreach.
- Community Partners: NAMI Greater Houston, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the Montrose Center, and Crisis Intervention of Houston offer support groups, counseling, and education.
- Emergency Medical Support: Ben Taub Psychiatric Emergency Center and Memorial Hermann Mental Health Crisis Clinic provide urgent mental health care.
- Other Supports: Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline, and multilingual services at Hope Clinic.
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copline.org: An International Law Enforcement Officers' Hotline
This Suicide Prevention Month let’s recommit to taking care of ourselves and one another. Together, we are stronger.
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HOUSTON (KIAH) — In an effort from Houston Mayor Whitmire’s office and BeSMARTforKids, and other community leaders, the city is working to educate the public on safety measures that can be taken for safety around guns.
This morning, BeSMARTKids representatives held a class to walk the public through these precautions.
| | Harris County Sheriff's Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community. | | |
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy S. Som-Pok for his commitment to serving our community.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“Deputy Som-Pok was kind enough to offer me a warning without a ticket. In a very stressful world, this meant a lot. I was driving through my son’s neighborhood to visit, and I’m not familiar with the neighborhood. I accidentally rolled through a stop sign I thought I had stopped at. I guess just not long enough. Anyway, he was nice and patient even though I was not the same to him. Just wanted to say thank you.”
Deputy Som-Pok has proudly served with HCSO since July 2020. He began his law enforcement career that same year and currently serves on the evening shift patrol in District 5 in north Harris County.
Thank you, Deputy Som-Pok, for your professionalism, patience, and dedication to keeping Harris County safe!
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Fred Cagle for his dedication and professionalism in serving Harris County.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“Deputy Cagle came out to a minor fender-bender crash my son had on the Grand Parkway frontage road. Deputy Cagle was very professional and handled both my son and the other party with respect and understanding. It was my son’s first interaction with the HCSO, and Deputy Cagle was a great representative for your office.”
Deputy Cagle has been with HCSO for over 13 years. He currently serves in District 4 Patrol, west Harris County.
Thank you, Deputy Cagle, for your professionalism, respect, and commitment to keeping Harris County safe!
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Behind every fatal crash is a life cut short—a face, a family, a story.
At the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, our Vehicular Crimes Division investigates each scene with precision and compassion, seeking answers, and delivering justice. Working alongside our partners, they also help keep Harris County roads safe and moving. Take a look at their vital work in action.
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Beginning September 1, 2025, HCSO’s Property Room listings are now available online, as required by Texas law (HB 1261). Proof of ownership is required.
Search listings and learn how to file a claim HERE or call 713-274-9310.
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Hurricane Season runs through November 30 — and disasters can strike at any time. The best protection for you and your family is being prepared.
Don’t wait. Plan today. Learn more: hurricanes.gov/prepare.
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Last week, Deputy Maurice Bucklin from our Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit represented the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at the North American Inspectors Championship in Minneapolis, MN.
This prestigious event brought together the best inspectors to compete in areas such as out-of-service criteria, Level 1 and passenger vehicle inspections, and hazardous materials and cargo tank inspections. The challenges were tough and demanded the best from every competitor.
We are proud to share that out of three countries and 46 competitors, Deputy Bucklin placed 6th overall!
Your hard work and dedication highlight the excellence of HCSO. Way to represent, Deputy Bucklin!
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HCSO is hiring Detention Officers!
Looking for a career with purpose, growth, and great benefits? Join the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and make a difference in your community every day.
Apply HERE or call 713-877-5250.
| | Happy Trails: HCSO Retirees | | To all retirees, we thank you for your years of service to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck on the next chapter in your life. | | Honoring ther Legacy of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal. | | |
Join us for Breakfast in the Park to honor the life and legacy of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal.
When: Saturday, September 27 | ⏰ 9:30–11:00 AM
Where: Copperbrook Subdivision, 8600 Willancy Ln
Hosted by the Dhaliwal family and Copperbrook Community. All are welcome to gather, share breakfast, and remember a beloved member of our community.
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In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, please review the training bulletin, which highlights essential resources, programs, and support available to all HCSO personnel and their families. You can also find this and all past training bulletins on the HCSO intranet by visiting the department policy landing page and looking for the "Training Bulletins" link at the top right.
For quick access to mental health resources at any time, look for the smiley face icon under the Resources section at the very bottom of the main intranet landing page.
If you or someone you know needs support, please remember that confidential help is always available.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our Team and our community.
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The race will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Tom Bass Regional Park (3452 Fellows Rd, Houston, TX 77047)
What to expect at this year’s event:
- Free post‑race meal
- Finisher’s medal
- Race swag
- Live results
Ready to run wild? Don’t miss this awesome activity—sign up today!
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The Sugar Land Space Cowboys are hosting First Responders Night on Sunday, September 7, at 6:35 p.m.
All first responders will receive a free ticket with their agency email and can also access discounted tickets for friends and family.
We hope to see you there!
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The Houston Astros are proud to partner with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for the annual Law Enforcement Night as the Astros take on the Texas Rangers on September 16, 2025.
Join us and show our appreciation for the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and first responders. Come out to Daikin Park with your friends, family, and the general public on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for the annual Law Enforcement Night. $5.00 of every ticket sold through this special offer will benefit the NLEOMF.
Specially priced ticket packages range from $29.00 to $118.00.
Houston Astros Law Enforcement Night - National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
For questions or to place a large group order, please contact Astros Account Representative Jacob Padelski at (832) 464-8789 or via email at jpadelski@astros.com.
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