HCSO Newsletter #226 – Spreading Safety and Holiday Cheer | | Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and community—and our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family demonstrated those values in an inspiring way during this year’s Annual Toy Drive in support of The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC). For 31 years, our partnership with the CAC has helped bring comfort, joy, and hope to children receiving services at the center, many of whom are survivors of child sexual abuse. This meaningful tradition continues to reflect the heart of our mission: serving and uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors.
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Each year, HCSO teammates come together to make this effort possible. From purchasing toys to loading the 18-wheeler, and finally volunteering to offload the gifts at the CAC, our staff, deputies, and volunteers worked side by side to ensure every child feels remembered and supported this holiday season. Last year alone, HCSO personnel donated more than 1,000 gifts, fulfilling holiday wish lists for over 500 children—and this year’s turnout carried that spirit forward in a powerful way.
The celebration kicked off with our festive holiday parade, featuring HCSO team members, specialized units, and our Mounted Patrol proudly leading the way. Families and CAC staff lined the street as the toy-delivery truck arrived at the center, greeted by cheerful teammates dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and lively holiday elves who helped bring the magic of the moment to life. The energy, generosity, and dedication on display underscored the true meaning of this longstanding tradition.
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This annual effort reflects who we are as an agency: compassionate public servants committed to community, service, and hope. To everyone who donated, volunteered, participated in the parade, or helped organize this year’s event—thank you for keeping this legacy strong.
Help us keep the spirit going:
| | Holiday Safety: Protecting Families Across Harris County | | |
As we celebrate the season, we also remain focused on keeping our community safe. During this year’s Holiday Safety Press Conference with Commissioner Lesley Briones, we shared important reminders to help families stay protected throughout the holidays.
One of our biggest concerns this time of year is impaired driving. As of the end of November, our DWI Unit has made 571 DWI-related arrests—each representing a dangerous situation stopped before it became a tragedy. HCSO will join a multi-agency initiative on New Year’s Eve, and our deputies will continue enhanced enforcement efforts countywide. Please plan ahead when celebrating: designate a sober driver, call a friend, or use a rideshare service. A single decision can save lives.
Another critical issue we face during the holidays is domestic violence. This year, 31 lives have been lost to domestic violence in Harris County—a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality. Our Family Violence investigators remain committed to supporting survivors with emergency shelter, crisis counseling, protective orders, relocation assistance, and help accessing crime victim compensation. To every survivor: you are believed, you are supported, and you are not alone. Please reach out to our Victim Assistance Unit at 713-274-9369 if you need help.
We also urge residents to stay alert while shopping or running errands. Crimes such as bank jugging and package theft tend to rise during the holidays, and simple precautions—like securing deliveries or staying aware when leaving an ATM or bank—can make a meaningful difference.
As always, our goal is to help every family enjoy a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday season.
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A Houston-area rooster-fighting ring with over 70 animals, some of which were dead, was busted Sunday night by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
According to detectives, four people were detained Sunday night in the 2400 block of Little York north of Houston. The suspects could face charges of animal cruelty and gambling, according to the sheriff's office. The identity of the suspect was not released.
The detectives on the scene said the location was listed as a barbershop, but did not include any "haircut utensils." Detectives said some of the roosters were found with razor blades on their talons.
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The Harris County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a suspect in a 2017 capital murder case that had gone cold for years after a deadly carjacking attempt in north Harris County.
Brian Adams, now 25, was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the March 11, 2017 shooting death of Pedro Aguilar, 48, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Adams was 17 years old at the time of the offense.
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - The Harris County Sheriff's Office has announced their results of its multi-agency warrant roundup targeting violent fugitives across the region.
HCSO, in partnership with the FBI, the DEA Houston Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, announced the results on Tuesday.
| | 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 David Zelaya as our Teammate of the Week!
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“Deputy Zelaya was working at the Alley Theatre during the night, when my ride was delayed, and an elderly lady was also waiting for a ride home. He came outside and protected us while we waited. He helped the lady into the car and escorted me to the curb when my ride arrived. He was very pleasant and kind and showed us great care. His presence made me feel safe, especially as a woman outside at night alone. I am so thankful for his service. Thank you, Deputy Zelaya!”
Deputy Zelaya joined HCSO in January 2019 as a Deputy assigned to the Jail before transitioning to Patrol in February 2020. He now proudly serves District 2 on dayshift as a Field Training Officer, where he continues to lead with professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
Thank you, Deputy Zelaya, for your commitment to protecting our community and for the kindness and reassurance you provide to those you serve.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy C. Miner as this week’s Teammate of the Week.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“On October 3, 2025, Deputy C. Miner responded to a call involving my family. What began as a routine incident quickly became a complex and emotional situation, and Deputy Miner showed exceptional professionalism, compassion, and dedication throughout. He went above and beyond to ensure my family received the support we needed during a very difficult time, working tirelessly to find a resolution and showing genuine care at every step. Deputy Miner exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement. His integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment reflect great credit on himself and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. We are fortunate to have such an officer serving our community. Please extend my sincere gratitude for his outstanding service.”
Deputy Miner has been a valued member of HCSO since September 2015 and currently serves as a deputy assigned to District Three. He shared that he remembers this call clearly and is grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for the family he assisted.
Thank you, Deputy Miner! Your professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people of Harris County set the standard for excellence. We appreciate your exceptional service and are proud to honor you as our Teammate of the Week.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is helping shape the future of criminal justice on a national level. This year, he participated in several BRIDGE Day events hosted by Arnold Ventures, joining researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop evidence-based public safety solutions.
At the BRIDGE Day focused on women in the justice system, Sheriff Gonzalez shared insights from leading one of the nation’s largest jail systems and from his work on the Council on Criminal Justice’s Women’s Justice Commission. His contributions sparked important discussions about data gaps and opportunities to better support justice-involved women, children, and families.
He also participated in BRIDGE Days on jail churn, disorder, and nonfatal shootings—reinforcing the value of research partnerships in improving real-world outcomes. As he noted, “It’s important to gain a broader perspective to make the best decisions and help shape my profession, corrections, and law enforcement.”
We are proud to see Sheriff Gonzalez representing Harris County and championing thoughtful, data-driven approaches to public safety. Thank you to Arnold Ventures for creating spaces where collaboration leads to better solutions.
Read the full story: https://tinyurl.com/55598n3s
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HCSO’s Re-Entry Program has helped incarcerated people rebuild their lives for more than two decades. Through trauma counseling, treatment, education, and job training, individuals like Nicholas and Fatima are finding healing, stability, and new purpose.
Here are some of their stories — and how this program continues to thrive and change lives every day.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO Command Staff proudly welcomed the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Cadets of Class B2-2025 to the agency.
On December 1, seventy-one dedicated cadets embark on a remarkable journey defined by service, courage, and a commitment to protecting the people of Harris County.
Best of luck to each of you—your future starts now.
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Meet Jameson, a very special young boy with a big heart and a deep admiration for law enforcement. When he learned that Detective Seaton had been hospitalized, he immediately sent her a heartfelt letter and a hand-drawn picture to lift her spirits.
Deeply touched by his kindness, Detective Seaton wanted to return the gesture in a meaningful way. She invited Jameson to the HCSO Wallisville Substation, where he received a personal tour of the station, met several dedicated District 3 deputies, and explored one of our patrol vehicles.
Deputy Hilson even took the time to show Jameson her patrol gear—and surprised him with a challenge coin to remember the day.
This moment is a wonderful reminder of the powerful connections between our deputies and the residents we serve. Building trust, inspiring young hearts, and supporting our community—that’s what HCSO is all about.
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Safe homes build strong communities.
HCSO is now officially certified in the international Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, bringing apartment owners, managers, and residents together to reduce crime, strengthen trust, and improve quality of life.
Through safety training, property inspections, and community engagement, certified complexes see fewer crime opportunities, higher resident satisfaction, and safer neighborhoods for families across Harris County.
Want your property to join the program?
Contact our Community Problem Oriented Policing Unit: CPOP@Sheriff.hctx.net
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This one-year-old bloodhound joins HCSO with a lifesaving mission: helping locate our most vulnerable residents when every second counts.
From missing children to adults with Alzheimer’s or individuals experiencing a crisis, Blanche’s tracking skills bring comfort, hope, and answers to families across Harris County.
A huge thank-you to Find-M’ Friends for making her addition to our team possible. We’re proud to welcome Blanche to the HCSO family.
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Congratulations to our 41 newest Detention Officers!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the entire Harris County Sheriff's Office family are proud of your dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving the people of Harris County. Welcome to the team—your service truly makes a difference.
Begin your journey. Serve your community. Build your future.
| | 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. | | HCSO 2026 Awards in Excellence – Nominations Now Open | | |
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Awards in Excellence, a tradition that celebrates the outstanding service of our teammates and the vital contributions of our community partners.
About the Awards
- 17 awards in total: 16 for HCSO personnel and 1 for a community member.
- Categories include Peace Officer, Detention, Support Staff, Reserve Personnel, and Specialized Awards such as:
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Sandeep Dhaliwal Community Impact Award
Joseph Trapolino Mental Health Professional of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award (recognizing 20+ years of distinguished service).
How to Nominate
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Submit nominations via the Awards in Excellence Portal (live through mid-January 2026).
- Summaries must be 200–750 words, clearly describing how the nominee meets award criteria.
- Supporting evidence (reports, incident numbers, body-worn or dash camera footage, articles, etc.) is strongly encouraged.
- Any HCSO employee may submit nominations. Community members may also be nominated.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Eligible actions or services must have taken place in calendar year 2025.
Selection Process
An Awards Committee made up of five to seven peers from mixed ranks and the Professional Staff carefully reviews all submitted nominations. From this group, three to five candidates are selected to move forward.
In the second phase, under the supervision of an Assistant Chief, five Majors review the shortlisted candidates and select one to two finalists.
The final decision is made by Chief Deputy Diaz and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
This is your chance to help shine a light on the dedication, professionalism, and community spirit that make HCSO exceptional.
| | BPOC Applications Now Open! | | |
Dear HCSO Team,
We are excited to announce that the job posting for the Sheriff Deputy Cadet – Basic Peace Officer (BPOC) Class 01-2026 is now open for applications.
Please take note of the following important details:
- Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025—no exceptions.
- Program Start Date: The BPOC Class 01-2026 is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
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How to Apply: To submit your application, please use the following link: Sheriff Deputy Cadet (Basic Peace Officer BPOC)
We encourage all qualified team members interested in advancing their careers with HCSO to apply before the deadline. If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact Mariel Rosario Lúgaro, HCSO Human Resources Division Manager, at 713-274-4705 for assistance.
Thank you and best of luck to all applicants!
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