HCSO Newsletter #243 — Thank You for Showing Up for Our Kids | | Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
Team,
As families across Harris County send their kids back to school this month, I want to take a moment to recognize something that doesn't always get the spotlight: the consistent work so many of you do to make sure this transition is safe.
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To our deputies working extra patrols in school zones, and to everyone who shows up at a crosswalk, a bus stop, or a community event, thank you. What you do matters, even on the mornings when it feels routine. For a parent watching their child cross the street safely because you were there, it's anything but routine.
Next week, we're sharing safety tips with our community on communication, safe routes, online safety, emergency contacts, and watching for kids on the road. I'd encourage you to take a look and even share them with your own families, or with the parents in your own lives. This isn't just messaging; it's real, practical guidance that can make a difference for a family in our county.
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This work is part of something bigger. Earlier this year, we hosted the first Harris County Active Threat Tabletop, bringing together school superintendents, district police chiefs, and emergency management leaders to strengthen how our agencies prepare for and respond to school-based emergencies. We followed it with a second exercise in April.
That kind of preparation doesn't happen without the day-to-day trust our teammates build in these communities, year-round. I'm proud of the role each of you plays in that. Click here to watch the video.
I know this time of year brings extra demands, more traffic, more calls, more eyes needed in more places. I see it, and I don't take it for granted. Thank you for continuing to show up for this community, day after day.
Here's to a safe school year ahead, for our kids, and for all of you.
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Harris County is moving forward with plans to build a first-of-its-kind driving training center where deputies, constables and other first responders will practice high-risk driving scenarios in a controlled environment.
The new D.R.I.V.E. Center, planned for the Humble area, will provide Harris County law enforcement agencies with a dedicated facility for precision driving training, something county officials say does not currently exist. The facility will be located at 2316 Atascocita Road and will serve the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, and all eight Harris County Constable precincts.
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A 17-year-old mother and her 29-year-old brother were shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend after he confronted them outside her Texas home, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities said that deputies responded to the shooting in the 200-block of West Canino Road after receiving the call at about 10:50 a.m. local time on Sunday.
| | 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. | | |
A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 "I was pleasantly surprised by Deputy Esparza, one of the Deputies at 701 N San Jacinto. He greeted me with a smile, took my ID, and called me by my name. He made the whole experience so much nicer, so much so that on my way out, I waited in line to get his name so I could submit this commendation. Everyone deserves respect, and it doesn't cost anything to show kindness. He understands that better than most."
Deputy Esparza has served with HCSO for 7 years, beginning his law enforcement career in May 2019. He currently works at the 701 Jail Operations facility, where he oversees visitation and responds to any outside disturbances.
👏 Thank you, Deputy Esparza, for the compassion and respect you show every visitor who walks through those doors. Your kindness doesn't go unnoticed!
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A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 "I would like to thank the two deputies who assisted me with my case. The deputies drove us home and helped us with the groceries that we had purchased since we didn't have a way home. Deputy Bonilla and Deputy Miller were friendly, polite, and very helpful. I do appreciate them so much."
Deputy Phillip Miller joined the HCSO Reserve in 2016, serving D5 Patrol. He became full-time with HCSO in September 2020 and has served as a Field Training Officer in D5 since 2021.
Deputy Diego Bonilla joined HCSO on May 19, 2025, when he started the academy. He currently serves as a Probationary Patrol Deputy (PPD).
👏 Thank you, Deputy Miller and Deputy Bonilla, for going above and beyond to make sure a Harris County resident got home safely. Your kindness and dedication make a real difference!
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For 16 years, the Cardenas family has returned to HCSO with homemade tamales — a tradition that began as a simple thank-you and has become a lasting bond.
On July 27, 2010, 15-year-old Alberto Cardenas was killed during a home invasion robbery in Spring. Sgt. Jason Brown led the investigation that ultimately brought his killer to justice. Through it all, investigators and the Cardenas family stood side by side, from the initial days of canvassing for leads to years of hearings and sentencing.
Today, Alberto's memory lives on through his family's tradition and through the relationships built between them and the investigators who never stopped fighting for justice on his behalf.
| | Back-to-school season is better together! Bring the whole family to our FREE community event on August 15 for backpacks, food, snow cones, games, and a chance to explore HCSO's SWAT Truck, Mounted Patrol, MAP Unit, and more. See you there! | | |
For our HCSO K-9s... It's finally their turn to tell the story. 🎤🐾
Interviews have been translated from “Bark” for your convenience. 😂
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Detective Darren Almendarez's legacy continues to protect others. Last week, the bipartisan Deputy Darren Almendarez Act was introduced in Congress to strengthen the fight against catalytic converter theft. The legislation honors Detective Almendarez, who was shot and killed while off duty as he tried to stop this very crime.
"Darren gave his life protecting me that night as well as the community at large. The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act means so much to our family because it represents more than legislation—it represents hope," said Flor Zarzoza-Almendarez, Deputy Almendarez's wife.
We are grateful to everyone helping ensure Detective Almendarez's courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO recognize Detention Officers Battah, Galvan, and Driver-Smith for receiving a Letter of Commendation for their outstanding vigilance while on duty.
During separate proactive searches, these officers discovered concealed, dangerous contraband, successfully removing potential threats from the facility before they could cause harm.
Their attentiveness, teamwork, and commitment to safety exemplify the highest standards of the HCSO. We are proud to acknowledge their dedication to protecting our facility, our staff, and the community.
| | 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. | | HCSO Women's Symposium Committee is Looking for New Members | | |
Interested in helping shape the 2027 Women's Symposium? The HCSO Women's Symposium Committee is looking for new members to join the planning team. This is a great opportunity to get involved, connect with teammates across the agency, and help build an event that supports and celebrates the women of HCSO.
Review the attached flyer for full application details. If you'd like to serve on the committee, submit your application to WILE@sheriff.hctx.net by Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:00 PM.
| | Registration is Open: Harris County Employee Howl-O-Ween 5K & 10K! | | |
Mark your calendars — the Harris County Employee Howl-O-Ween 5K & 10K is back, and registration is officially open!
This year's race brings the Halloween spirit to the course with glowing lights, spooky vibes, festive music, and costume fun from start to finish. Whether you're chasing a personal record, walking it out with friends, or just there for the atmosphere, this night is all about community, wellness, and a good time.
Expect themed photo ops, interactive vendor booths, music, giveaways, and plenty of Halloween surprises along the way. Grab your costume, round up your crew, and enjoy a night made for every ghoul and goblin on our team — runners, walkers, and spectators alike.
Don't miss this one. Register today!
| | Law enforcement personnel: Class A Uniform Survey | | |
HCSO is requesting your input on potential modifications to the current Class A uniform for law enforcement personnel. This will not affect the Class A uniform for detention personnel.
This survey is restricted to law enforcement personnel only. In this survey, you will find photos of each uniform option. If you would like to see the uniform options in person, mannequins displaying the uniforms are located at the following locations:
- 2316 Atascocita Road – Academy Library
- 1200 Baker Street – Administrative Entrance Lobby
Please take a moment to complete the survey, as your input is crucial in shaping this important decision for the agency.
| | Coin Collectors, Take Note: Two New Challenge Coins Now for Sale | | |
HCSO has two new challenge coins available for purchase — and both support a good cause.
🚔 Vehicular Crimes Division Crash Investigator Coin — $20 each. A two-sided coin honoring our VCD Crash Investigators: "We measure. We investigate. We make a difference." Individually wrapped, gold-finish quality. Quantities are limited, so reserve yours early by emailing Captain Aric Albers at Aric.Albers@sheriff.hctx.net.
🏅 National Correctional Officers' Appreciation Week Challenge Coins — $15 each or $25 for the set. These are the winning designs from our own Challenge Coin Design Contest — congratulations again to Detention Officer Blake Mire and Grievance Officer Franchessica Patterson! To purchase with Zelle, PayPal, or CashApp, contact Ashlee Carabajal (Ashlee.Carabajal@sheriff.hctx.net) or Isabella Gomez (Isabella.Gomez@sheriff.hctx.net). To pay with cash, Zelle, PayPal, or CashApp, contact Natasha Young (Natasha.Young@sheriff.hctx.net). All proceeds benefit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Benevolence Association.
See the flyers below for full details.
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