Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

In the past, if you wanted to become certified in swiftwater rescue, it meant traveling all the way past Austin, and with the closure of that facility, we were left without that vital resource. But now, we are turning the page!

This new facility is a game changer! It will offer hands-on training right here at home, covering essential skills such as water rescue techniques, entrapment avoidance, swimming proficiency, and effective team coordination. Training together fosters trust among teammates — when you've practiced side by side, you can fully rely on one another in the heat of the moment. This invaluable training can truly make the difference between getting everyone home safely or facing perilous situations.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who believed in this project from the very beginning. A big thank you to the Commissioners Court for prioritizing public safety and championing this initiative. My sincere appreciation also goes to County Engineer Dr. Milton Rahman and his incredible team at the Office of the County Engineer for their expertise and hard work in bringing this vision to life. And to the voters of Harris County, thank you for your trust and support in approving the bonds to make this facility possible—you’ve made a significant investment in both your safety and ours.



I would like to highlight the dedication of two outstanding members of our team, Mike Lee and Sean Williams. Their unwavering advocacy for this project has been pivotal; the establishment of this facility is a testament to their commitment to our agency's mission.

To every deputy, detention officer, dispatcher, and support staff who has answered the call during floods without the training you truly deserved—this facility is here for you.

Last week, we took an important first step by breaking ground, and soon, those doors will open! When the next storm hits—and we know it will—I want every one of you to step into it, confident in your preparation and training.

Thank you for your relentless dedication to our community and to each other every day! Together, we are building a safer future.

A phone call from someone claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy can get a person’s attention quickly — especially when the caller already seems to know who they are. That sense of urgency is exactly what scammers are counting on in a scheme currently targeting Harris County residents.

A Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigator recently flagged a high volume of calls in which fraudsters impersonate HCSO deputies, tell residents they have an active arrest warrant and demand immediate payment to avoid being arrested.

For years, Harris County first responders have had to leave the region to receive specialized swiftwater rescue training. That is about to change.

County officials broke ground Friday on a new Swiftwater Rescue Training Facility at 1731 Hugh Road. The center will give deputies, constables, firefighters and other emergency personnel a place to practice water rescues, entrapment avoidance, swimming skills and team coordination in controlled conditions.

Sergeant Arthur Kuk and Detective Christian Gonzalez of HCSO's Metal Theft Task Force led the investigation into thefts that cost AT&T more than $6 million across Greater Houston, resulting in multiple arrests and over $1 million in recovered equipment. AT&T publicly praised the partnership and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez's leadership in keeping the community's critical infrastructure secure.

Teammates 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.

A Harris County resident recently shared:

💬 "I want to thank the HCSO Emergency Dispatch Center first for handling my call so promptly and professionally. I ran out of gas on the way to the gas station only 1/4 mile away, and my two autistic kiddos were in the car. I didn't know who else to call. Deputy Sultan showed up and assured me I was ok. Helped me set up the gas bottle, fill my tank, and get me on the road again. I was having the roughest day ever and just wanted to take my kids to the park. Thank you again, Deputy Sultan."

Deputy Sultan has served with HCSO for nine years, spending his entire law enforcement career with the department. He currently serves as a Patrol Deputy in District 6, in north Harris County.

👏 Thank you, Deputy Sultan, for turning a stressful moment into one of relief and reassurance for a mom just trying to get her kids to the park. Your kindness and quick response made all the difference!

A Harris County resident recently shared:

💬"I would like to formally commend Sgt. Escobar for his exceptional assistance during a recent roadside incident. A mattress fell from another truck and became lodged underneath my vehicle, leaving me frightened, overwhelmed, and concerned for my safety and my family. Sgt. Escobar responded with professionalism, patience, and compassion. When he saw my distress, he personally paid cash for a tow truck to assist in lifting my vehicle and resolving the situation safely. He, along with another officer, also helped remove the mattress from underneath my car. His kindness, quick action, and willingness to go beyond what is expected had a significant impact on me during a very stressful moment. I am deeply grateful for his help and would like his actions to be formally recognized! Thank you so much, God bless you!"

Sgt. Escobar joined HCSO in May 2014, but his law enforcement career began in July 2006. He currently serves as a Sergeant on Patrol in District 4, which covers west Harris County, and he works evening shifts. Prior to his law enforcement career, Sgt. Escobar proudly served in the United States Air Force.

👏 Thank you, Sgt. Escobar, for your compassion and quick thinking when a community member needed help most — and for reaching into your own pocket to make sure she got home safely. This is what service above and beyond looks like.

Two Years Later: The Search for Answers Continues

Kelly Masciarelli, her son Kolin Foster, and his girlfriend Cameryn Richard were murdered inside a Cypress home that was intentionally set on fire.

The FBI has now increased the reward to up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible.

We are resharing previously released surveillance video showing a male suspect with a tall, muscular build getting into a black four-door sedan driven by another individual. Investigators believe someone may recognize the suspect, the vehicle, or know something about what happened that night.

If you know something, say something.

📞 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)

💻 tips.fbi.gov



Even the smallest detail could help bring justice to these families.

🚔 There's No Loophole

Spoiler alert: there's no loophole. HCSO deputies are increasing DWI enforcement through Labor Day.



Make the right call before you ever get behind the wheel — plan a sober ride, use a rideshare, or hand over the keys.

Drive sober. Get home safe.

Director David Klozik Named 2026 PSAPs' Finest Director of the Year

Long before a deputy arrives, before lights and sirens, someone is already there — on the phone, listening through the panic, bringing order to chaos, and making the split-second decisions that set everything else in motion.

That's the work David Klozik has spent his career leading, and this month, it was recognized on a national stage.

David, Director of our Emergency Dispatch Center, has been named the 2026 PSAPs' Finest Director of the Year by NiCE Public Safety — a national award now in its twenty-first year, honoring the individuals and teams whose skill, compassion, and leadership keep emergency communications running when every second counts. Winners aren't chosen by NiCE itself, but by an independent panel of respected leaders from the 911 and public safety community — which makes this recognition mean even more.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to lead a room full of telecommunicators through the worst moments of other people's lives, day after day, David is a good example. It's a job that rarely gets seen by the public, but its impact reaches every single call that comes through our Emergency Dispatch Center — and every family on the other end of that call.



We couldn't be prouder to see David's leadership recognized at this level. Congratulations, David — this one's well earned. 🎉

Leadership in Action: Detention Sergeant Andrews

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO recognize Detention Sergeant Andrews for her exemplary leadership and quick action in ensuring the safety and welfare of those in our custody.

As Supervisor of the Standards & Compliance Unit, Sergeant Andrews responded swiftly to an unexpected challenge, directing her team to ensure a safe and efficient resolution while showing thoughtful consideration for those in her care.

Thank you for embodying diligence, compassion, and operational readiness every single day! 👏

📣 Calling All Future Leaders!

Are you a high school student ready to lead? The HCSO Youth Leadership Council is now accepting applications!

Council members meet monthly with HCSO leaders, get behind-the-scenes access to the department, and tackle real topics like bullying prevention, teen dating violence, suicide prevention, drug & alcohol awareness, and traffic safety — all while building leadership skills for college and career.

Plus, members gain access to scholarship opportunities and a boost to their resumes and college applications!

Who can apply?

✅ High school students (Grades 9–12)

✅ Harris County residents

✅ Good academic standing

✅ Motivated and ready to lead

Spots are limited — apply now! See your school counselor or visit harriscountyso.org/Services/YouthLeadershipCouncil to fill out an application.

Welcome to the Team!

Congratulations to our newest class of Detention Officers on their graduation!

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO couldn’t be prouder of these men and women who answered the call to serve. Welcome to the team!

Ready to start your own career in service? 📞 Call 713-877-5250 or visit HCSOJobs.com to apply today!

Visit the Intranet and stay informed

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.

Sick Leave Pool Registration Period, Coming Soon!

The Sick Leave Pool Program helps eligible Harris County employees facing a hardship due to their own catastrophic injury or illness who have exhausted all accrued paid leave.

Registration to donate sick and/or vacation leave opens August 22 – September 18, 2026 via STARS Employee Self Service (ESS). Donations are voluntary — donate a minimum of 8 hours (max 40) to become eligible to receive up to 480 hours of Catastrophic Leave during Fiscal Year 2027.

Note: Donations cannot reduce your combined sick and vacation balance below 40 hours.

For details on how to donate or on eligibility requirements, see the attached flyer/job aid or visit https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Human-Resources/Sick-Leave-Pool-Program

Questions? Contact the Sick Leave Pool Administrators at 713-274-5404 or SickLeavePool@harriscountytx.gov

Thank you for your continued support!

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!