Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
We humbly pay tribute to those who have served our country and the many veterans in our agency who continue serving their communities. This week, and all year long, we celebrate these American heroes who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom.
On Veterans Day, we joined communities across our county and nation to honor our veterans and show appreciation for their patriotism and willingness to serve and live a life of sacrifice. We owe them an enduring debt of gratitude.
On Wednesday morning, we visited the Houston National Cemetery to place 500 American flags on the graves of past service members and to pay our respects to our fallen heroes. It was an important reminder of the neighbors and loved ones we’ve lost and a moment to salute their legacy and ultimate sacrifice. We paused to reflect on the history of our armed forces and the battles they’ve fought for the opportunities we have today. Later that evening, District 2 deputies participated in a drive-by celebration for World War II veteran Vincent Moreno. The 96-year-old war hero was greeted by honks, sirens, and lines of his neighbors cheering.
Houston has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, with more than 300,000 military veterans calling the Greater Houston area home. Veterans lift up the entire community and play a large role in our region’s growth and overall success. They are a part of the communities they serve. Veterans are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our leaders. They represent and embody everything we should aspire to be – resilient and service-minded. Their stories and experiences inspire others to give back with pride.
At the Sheriff’s Office, we honor our deputies and teammates who have served in the US Armed Forces and continue their public service journey as first responders and public servants. We benefit greatly from their wealth of experience and commitment to teamwork and community.
We empower our veterans and foster a supportive culture for them. In their annual “Best for Vets” employer rankings, The Military Times has recognized the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a top government and nonprofit organization employer for veterans. Hundreds of employers in the nation compete for the recognition, providing in-depth data on their culture, recruiting, policies, and resources related to veterans, service members, and military families. If you’re looking to make a difference, learn more about our career opportunities here.
We’re grateful for the veterans in our ranks and their countless contributions to the Sheriff’s Office. We celebrate them always. Meet some of the many current and past service members across our divisions via our Veterans Day tribute video.
God bless you, and God bless the Sheriff’s Office.
