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HCSO Newsletter #246 — Unity in the Community:
Preparing Future Deputies to Serve
| | Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
Team,
In just a couple of weeks, 62 cadets from the Basic Peace Officer Course Class B2-2025 will graduate and take the next step toward becoming Harris County deputies. That’s a big moment for them. But it’s also a moment for all of us.
Before they graduate, these cadets had an opportunity to step outside the academy and spend a day simply listening. During our “Unity in the Community” tour, they met with community leaders in Barrett Station, connected with Houston’s Vietnamese community through Boat People SOS, visited Al-Noor Masjid, and spent time at the Mexican Consulate.
They heard stories, learned histories, asked questions, and in some cases, encountered cultures and experiences new to them.
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That day was one part of a much bigger preparation. At the academy, these cadets have worked through demanding academic, physical, firearms and driving training. They completed 11 academic tests, along with the many other requirements that come with preparing for this profession.
But knowing how to do the job is only part of becoming a good deputy.
One cadet described the community tour as eye-opening. Another talked about how important it was to learn more about the different backgrounds of the people they will serve.
That matters.
Because being a good deputy takes more than knowing the law and knowing how to handle a call. It takes curiosity. It takes humility. It takes the willingness to listen to someone whose life experience may be very different from your own.
And as these cadets prepare to join our ranks, there’s something else they’re going to need: us.
So I’m asking each of you to look out for them.
When you see a new deputy working through a difficult call, take a minute to check in. When a report isn’t quite right, teach them—not just what to fix, but why it matters. When they have a question, make it okay for them to ask it. Share the lessons you learned the hard way, so maybe they don’t have to.
And when they do something well, tell them.
Every generation of HCSO deputies leaves something behind for the next one. The knowledge, the traditions, the standards, and yes, the culture of this organization are passed from one teammate to another.
Soon, these 62 cadets will be wearing our badge and serving our communities. Let’s make sure they know they’re not walking into this alone.
Thank you for what you do every day, for HCSO, for one another, and for the people we serve.
| | | | More than 40 years ago, neighbors found the bodies of a man and woman in their twenties at an apartment in Houston. No one had heard from the couple in days, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. They'd been stabbed, and the man had also been shot. | | | | Under the leadership of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Task Force recently coordinated a multi-agency operation targeting illegal vehicle chop shops. The operation included the execution of search warrants at three locations across Harris County and resulted in the recovery of four stolen vehicles, 252 stolen vehicle parts and components, and one arrest. | | 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:
💬 "Deputy Aviles pulled me over for expired registration, and I expressed how I haven't been able to afford to get it registered as I'm drowning in bills and debt and he gave me a warning. He doesn't understand how thankful I am to him for showing me mercy because I am so stressed about money. He was so kind and understanding and I had to let you know how much it meant to me. I was able to continue my day of work and I will be going tomorrow to get this fixed. Thank you so much Deputy Aviles. I will never forget this."
Deputy Aviles has proudly served with HCSO for nearly 15 years, beginning his law enforcement career in November 2011. He currently serves as a patrol deputy.
👏Thank you, Deputy Aviles, for leading with compassion and making a real difference in someone's day!
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A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬"Deputy Barboza was super helpful and nice. He made sure to provide me a good service into helping me change my spare tire, so that I can be able to take it to the store and replace it for a new one. 10/10 of excellent service."
Deputy Barboza has been with HCSO since September 2018. He began his law enforcement career with Harris County Constable Precinct 5 in June 2017. He is currently assigned to District 6 Patrol, north Harris County.
👏 Thank you, Deputy Barboza, for going above and beyond to help our community!
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Every dive has a purpose.
At 50, Deputy Kasey Lewis is making history as the first woman to join the HCSO Dive Team since the Marine Unit took over operations in 2017.
But for Lewis, the milestone is secondary to the mission: recovering evidence, searching for victims, and helping bring answers and closure to families.
Her achievement also reflects HCSO's commitment to the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort focused on increasing the representation and supporting the advancement of women in law enforcement.
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On September 11, 2026, Harris County paused to remember.
One of the most solemn days of the year. Sheriffs, US United, and DistrictWON connected communities in various states through one of our greatest traditions: Friday Night Lights High School Football. Sports have the unique power to unify all of us.
An incredible national moment of unity, led by America’s Sheriffs and local leaders. Thank you, Channelview ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, for hosting the Harris County Sheriff's Office and other public safety partners. 🏈
We will never forget.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office were proud to join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for its Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner, honoring those who work every day to keep impaired drivers off our roadways.
We are grateful to MADD for recognizing the dedication of our deputies and for their continued partnership in the fight to end impaired driving.
Together, we remain committed to preventing crashes, saving lives, and making Harris County roads safer for everyone. 💙🚔
| | On Labor Day weekend, 65 individuals were arrested for impaired driving across Harris County. That's 65 opportunities to prevent someone from hurting themselves or others on our roadways. If you plan on drinking, plan for a safe ride home. #DrivelikeaTexan | | |
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!
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HCSO is hiring Detention Officers! Looking for a career with purpose, growth, and great benefits? Join HCSO and make a difference in your community every day.
Apply now: HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
| | 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: Today is the last day to donate! | | |
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!
| | Breakfast in the Park: Honoring Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal | | |
Join us as we celebrate and remember Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal at a Breakfast in the Park at the Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Memorial.
📍 Where: 8515 Willancy Lane (Charles W. Austin Park)
📅 When: Saturday, September 26th
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Everyone is welcome, including all our law enforcement brothers and sisters and first responders. Come out, share a meal, and spend some time together.
Hosted and supported by the Sandeep Dhaliwal Family, Copperbrook HOA & HCMUD130.
| | 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!
| | Headset & Health: September 2026 — Compassion Fatigue | | |
A new issue of Headset & Health is available, focusing on compassion fatigue, self-care, and the importance of supporting one another.
This month’s newsletter also highlights resources available to HCSO personnel and recognizes National Suicide Prevention Month.
Take a moment to check in, take care of yourself, and remember—you don’t have to carry it all alone.
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