HCSO Newsletter #205 Honoring a Legacy: Deputy Rondald Bates' Service Remembered | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
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On February 6th, the Harris County Sheriff's Office gathered to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Deputy Rondald Bates. He dedicated over 30 years to serving Harris County before his death in the line of duty on February 10, 2024, from injuries sustained in a car crash. He joined the HCSO in 1992 and served with honor until his death. The ceremony was a powerful tribute, highlighting the impact of his service and the inspiration he continues to provide.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez presented Deputy Derrick Bates with his late father's badge number alongside his mother and sister. This gesture symbolizes Deputy Rondald Bates' commitment to service that will live on through his son.
HCSO deputies and friends gathered to remember Ronald Bates by sharing stories of their favorite memories with him. They spoke of his integrity and how he always did the right thing, even when nobody was watching. The outpouring of love was a testament to the deep connections he built throughout his career.
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Now serving in Patrol Bureau District 5, Deputy Derrick Bates proudly carries his father's badge, continuing his legacy of service and embodying the values his father instilled. The ceremony served as a testament to Deputy Rondald Bates's lasting mark on the HCSO and the community he served, a mark that will never be forgotten. | |
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Celebrating Black History Month:
Honoring HCSO's Leaders and Trailblazers
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Black History Month is a time to recognize the contributions of Black Americans and the lasting impact they've made in every field, including law enforcement.
At the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, we take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our communities.
The contributions of Black law enforcement officers and staff at HCSO are nothing short of extraordinary. Their leadership and commitment to justice help strengthen our agency and foster trust with the diverse communities we serve. They are mentors, role models, and trailblazers, paving the way for future generations.
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HCSO is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within our ranks. We support initiatives that promote leadership development and career advancement for Black law enforcement professionals. Through conversations and community engagement, we work to ensure that our agency reflects the diversity of Harris County and upholds the values of fairness and respect.
This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of those who fought for justice and equality, and we celebrate the leaders who continue to shape our agency and community. Their contributions motivate us to build a brighter future where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued.
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Harris County Sheriff's Office Major Ben Katrib, joins FOX 26's Randy Wallace and Houston Crime Stoppers' Andy Kahan, to discuss everything that goes into investigating homicides. | | |
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- So far this year, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has shut down two boarding homes that were operating illegally and without a license.
The first one was found in southwest Harris County on Bacard Lane. There, eight people were removed, two of which were bedridden and one who had to be hospitalized.
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The Bayou City owns a dubious distinction: it consistently ranks as one of the top cities in the United States for human trafficking.
Sadly, you don't have to look far to see examples of it. And the numbers are stark. Anthony Aulds is a Sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. He notes there are "approximately 79,000 minors who are victims of sex trafficking" in Texas alone.
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Harris County Sheriff's Office 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. | |
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"Sgt. Bigham, Sgt. Castaneda and Deputy Casas at Baker St are the epitome of the representation of the HCSO core values," said a Harris County resident. "The reciprocated respect that they showed me was beyond any expectation I could have ever had."
Sgt. Gilbert Bigham has dedicated 23 years to serving our community at HCSO.
Sgt. Oscar Castaneda and Deputy Edward Casas joined our agency 12 years ago.
Thank you for your service and for keeping our community safe!
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"I want to take a moment to thank Senior Crash Investigator Lawrence Hernandez for his kindness during my stop. When he pulled me over, I was startled but remained calm. He explained that I didn't use my turn signal and then kindly issued a warning," said a Harris County resident. "I truly appreciated his firm yet understanding approach, which made me feel safe. Thank you, Investigator Hernandez, for doing your job with compassion. May God bless and protect you as you serve the community."
Senior Crash Investigator Lawrence Hernandez joined our agency 34 years ago and he is currently protecting our community in the HCSO Vehicular Crimes Division in the Hit & Run Section.
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Do you recognize this suspect? New surveillance footage has been released in the tragic triple murder and arson case in Cypress.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Houston are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.
Kelly Masciarelli, Kolin Foster, and Cameryn Richard lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. Someone out there knows something—help us bring justice to their families.
Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.fbi.gov. All tips are anonymous.
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We're pleased to announce that the Harris County Sheriff's Office 2024 Annual Report is now available!
Under the direction of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, this report provides a glimpse into the dedication and efforts of our certified, detention, and professional teammates who are committed to our values and pursuit of excellence.
We encourage you to read the report and reflect on the accomplishments and challenges we faced together in 2024. It's a testament to our entire team's hard work, dedication, and resilience.
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HCSO's Boarding Home Detail swiftly protected vulnerable residents! Yesterday, they responded with Adult Protective Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office to an unpermitted boarding home with multiple violations. One tenant was hospitalized, and four others were safely rehoused. The owner was charged. Boarding Home Permits are required by law in Harris County.
Report Suspicious Activity. If you suspect a boarding home is operating without a permit or has unsafe conditions, please report it to the Harris County Sheriff's Office at:
- Phone: 832-927-2975
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Website: bit.ly/3i5NvEGA
- Email: Boardinghomes@Sheriff.hctx.net
Together, we can protect our community and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
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Congratulations to our 62 newest Detention Officers!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO team are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication.
Are you ready to join our ranks? Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
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The 76th Annual Pony Express began with our send-off at the Waller County Fair Grounds. A big big thank you to Trail of Life Cowboy Church for feeding us a hardy breakfast while all teams tacked up their horses and prepared for the big ride.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Junior Mounted Posse did another outstanding job with the flag presentation and our great National Anthem.
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Connect with your Harris County Sheriff's Office Community Engagement Team on Instagram!
Follow @HCSO_COMMUNITY_ENGAGEMENT to stay updated on community events, safety tips, and ways to partner with us for a safer Harris County.
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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. | |
New HCSO Media Toolkit Available Now! | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce the launch of our updated Media Toolkit, designed to help teammates maintain consistent and professional branding in all communications.
What's Included:
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HCSO Email Signature: Standardized email signatures for a unified look.
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Graphic Design Request Form: Easy access to graphic design support.
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HCSO Letterhead: Official letterhead for formal correspondence.
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Photo and Video Request Form: Streamlined process for obtaining visual assets.
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HCSO Slide Templates (blue/white): Branded PowerPoint templates in blue and white.
Go to the intranet to access files.
Find the Toolkit:
Access the Media Toolkit now on the HCSO Intranet homepage! Simply click on the "Media Toolkit" link to find all the templates and resources you need.
Why It Matters:
By utilizing these templates, we can ensure that all HCSO communications are professional, consistent, and effectively represent our agency.
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Award Nominations for the 2025 Women in Law Enforcement Symposium Are Now Open! | |
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We are excited to announce that nominations for the 2025 Women in Law Enforcement Symposium are now being accepted! This special event will honor and celebrate the exceptional contributions of women within the Harris County Sheriff's Office, including sworn, non-sworn, and professional staff members.
We invite you to recognize and nominate individuals who exemplify excellence in categories such as Outstanding Achievement, Rising Star (Emerging Talent), Inspirational Contributions, Community Impact, Influential Leadership, Resilience, and Impactful Leadership.
The nomination portal is now open and will close on March 7th. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in our organization.
Anyone within the agency can submit a nomination. Please include a summary in the space provided and attach any relevant files, such as news stories or social media posts, if applicable.
Submit your nominations today and let’s shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond every day! If you have any questions, please e-mail WILE@sheriff.hctx.net.
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