HCSO Newsletter #188 - End of Watch Ride to Remember | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
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Motorcycle riders and a memorial trailer arrived at the Harris County Sheriff's Office Training Academy parking lot on Thursday to pay tribute to our fallen peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023. We honored our HCSO fallen heroes: Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez, Deputy Darren Almendarez, and Deputy Robert Adam Howard.
The Call of Duty is a nonprofit organization founded by a former deputy sheriff to support the families and communities of fallen first responders. As part of its End of Watch Ride to Remember campaign, they travel miles nationwide, visiting departments where law enforcement personnel died in the line of duty.
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On January 24, 2022, Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez passed away after a fatal collision while directing traffic. He began his law enforcement career twenty years ago as a detention officer. He spent the last 13 years in our Vehicular Crimes Division. Gone but never forgotten. | |
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On March 31, 2022, Deputy Darren Almendarez was killed when he interrupted three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle. He was a 23-year department veteran and worked as an Auto Theft Task Force Investigator. Gone but never forgotten. | |
On May 11, 2022, Deputy Robert Adam Howard passed away after a fatal collision. He was a loving husband and a caring father to his two children. He was an investigator in the Violent Gang Unit and joined our agency on August 19, 2019. Gone but never forgotten. | |
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For 73 days, two riders will lead a memorial trailer covered in photos of peace officers who died while serving their communities. The journey is a solemn reminder that behind each picture displayed on the trailer — and each stop — are family members, teammates, and a community. They were husbands and wives, sons and daughters, partners and public servants, mothers and fathers, and brothers and sisters.
We're grateful to the End of Watch Ride to Remember campaign coordinators for their strong commitment to honoring each of those lives on the memorial trailer. This gives our deputies and teammates another chance to reflect on their legacy.
Please visit our Sheriff's Office Memorial Site to learn more about our fallen heroes.
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Safety First: Addressing Gun Violence and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community | |
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Gun Violence Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the impact of gun violence in our communities and reaffirm our commitment to safety and prevention. Firearms-related incidents are a pressing issue, affecting families and neighborhoods nationwide. Because of this, we are taking necessary steps to address this challenge at the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Keeping the community well-informed helps prevent accidental shootings and ensures a safer environment for everyone. We believe that building solid relationships with the communities we serve is essential in addressing gun-related incidents. By fostering trust and open communication, we can identify and address the root causes of these incidents.
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Tips to Prevent Accidental Gun Violence:
- Always Treat Guns as Loaded.
- Never assume a firearm is unloaded; always handle it with care.
- Proper Gun Storage.
- Store firearms unloaded in a locked safe or gun cabinet, and use gun locks as an additional safety measure. Keep ammunition stored separately from firearms in a secure and locked location.
- Keep Guns Out of Children's Reach.
- Educate children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of not touching them. Ensure firearms are stored in a place that is inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons. Use trigger locks and other safety devices to prevent unauthorized use of weapons, and consider using biometric safes that can only be opened by the owner's fingerprint.
- Educate Family Members on Gun Safety: Conduct regular training sessions with all family members. Teach everyone in the household the basic rules of gun safety, including never pointing a gun at anyone and keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Familiarize Yourself with Gun Laws: Comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding firearm ownership and storage.
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We encourage all residents to take an active role in promoting safety and preventing violence. This includes violence against the LGBTQ+ community, as June is also Pride Month. These attacks are often worsened by hate and prejudice. According to national statistics, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women of color, face disproportionately high rates of violence, including gun violence. This highlights the urgent need for targeted safety measures and community support.
Whether participating in local events, advocating for responsible gun ownership, or supporting community-based initiatives, everyone has a part to play in making Harris County safer. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where gun violence is no longer a threat to our communities.
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HCSO Honors and Celebrates Freedom Day | |
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Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates a significant moment in American history. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially outlawed slavery in the Confederate states. Since then, the day has become a time to honor African American heritage and celebrate freedom.
This year, the Harris County Sheriff's Office proudly participated in the Juneteenth parade, joining the community in celebrating this important day. Communities across the nation celebrate Juneteenth with parades and family gatherings. It is a day to recognize African Americans' resilience and achievements and to acknowledge the importance of continuing the fight against racial injustice.
At HCSO, we are committed to supporting and recognizing the rich cultural history and achievements of African Americans in Harris County.
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A family of taekwondo instructors were able to save a woman from an attack in the Cypress area on Tuesday, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said instructors from Yong-In Tae Kwon Do sprung into action when they heard some commotion going on next door.
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HOUSTON (KIAH) Summertime means more free time for young people, and that can lead to dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.
AAA Texas calls the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers, and the statistics back it up.
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the tablets could help limit the amount of contraband brought into the jail.
Harris County jail testing tablets to connect inmates with family, friends. Currently, two jail facilities have access to tablets to connect with loved ones, a free law library, and educational programs.
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Congratulations to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez for receiving the PRSA Houston CEO Communicator of the Year Award! Chief Tommy Diaz accepted the award on the Sheriff’s behalf.
Communication is essential to law enforcement. It helps connect the community with those dedicated to serving and protecting.
At HCSO, we are committed to keeping our community informed, engaged, and connected. Sheriff is honored to serve one of the nation's most diverse communities, Harris County.
“Ensuring everyone receives timely and accurate information is essential to our mission,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “This award is a testament to my team's dedication and hard work. To my team, I appreciate your dedication and consistent efforts to ensure our message is impactful and clear.”
Together, we will continue to make Harris County a place where every voice is heard and every person feels safe.
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HCSO Teammate of the Week | |
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. | |
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"On May 26, 2024, my family, our church, and I celebrated Memorial Day at Bay Area Park. While at the park, we saw Deputy Hubbard working park patrol, making several rounds to check on residents and ensure there were no issues. Deputy Hubbard stopped by to engage us in conversation, asking how things were and the occasion. This simple act of kindness shows the type of individual Deputy Hubbard is and displays excellent character, which should not go unnoticed. Deputy Hubbard went out in 95-degree heat to engage with some residents in conversation. He patrols the park, ensures safety, and enforces laws. Special thanks to Deputy Hubbard for going above and beyond what his duties were that day."
Deputy Hubbard has been with our agency for 27 years. He began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a detention officer and became a deputy in 1998. Currently, he is assigned to Traffic Enforcement in West Harris County's District 4.
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Congratulations to HCSO Jail Women's Empowerment Center (WEC) for winning the 2024 National Association of Counties Achievement Award! We are grateful for our teammates and partners! The WEC symbolizes hope, resilience, and transformation for countless women in our care. Congratulations!
Under the guidance of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, HCSO opened the Women's Empowerment Center on February 15, 2023. WEC houses qualifying female incarcerated residents full-time in a holistic approach to gender-specific programming. The center offers education, self-care, counseling, and job training to provide residents and their families with a better future.
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Thanks to the work of our amazing K9 Dudley, a lost child was reunited with her family earlier today. Using items belonging to the child, such as pants and a hair band, K9 Dudley led deputies to the intersection of TC Jester and 1960. Deputies later learned that the child had boarded a bus at this intersection and traveled to another location, where she was found safely. Fantastic work, K9 Dudley! | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office joined the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Harris County District Attorney's Office to raise awareness for the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer' — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen traffic fatalities spike.
HCSO also discussed ongoing efforts to prevent street racing. Let's make this summer safer together by driving safely and responsibly.
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Registration for the 2024 National Night Out is now open! Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities on October 1, 2024, and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community.
If your neighborhood plans to participate and would like HCSO to attend, please register at https://tinyurl.com/nrnht3yp.
For further information or inquiries, please get in touch with the HCSO Community Engagement Division at community.engagementfiv@sheriff.hctx.net or 346-286-3125.
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office was honored to join the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at their Law Enforcement Recognition luncheon. Thank you, MADD, for recognizing our officers' dedication and commitment to protecting our roads by removing impaired drivers. Your support and acknowledgment inspire us to continue our mission for a safer community and to end impaired driving for all. | |
Happy Trails: HCSO Retirees | |
To our retiree, 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. | |
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As an HCSO teammate, you can play a vital role in supporting our troops this Independence Day. July 4th is the most patriotic holiday and the perfect time to honor and thank our brave service members. With over a million soldiers actively serving our country, countless thank yous will be shared!
Like law enforcement officers, our veterans have dedicated themselves to serving and protecting our communities. Both groups understand the importance of answering the call for a higher purpose.
For the third consecutive year, The Bull is on a mission to collect 10,000 thank you cards for our heroes at home and abroad. HCSO wants to help them reach their goal!
We need your help to do it! It's simple:
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Download the Letter Templates HERE
- Write a heartfelt message of encouragement to our service members
- Drop it off at 1200 Baker Street
Please submit letters to Adriana Perez by 3:00 p.m. on June 27 at 1200 Baker St.
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Free Back-to-School Drive! | |
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Attention HCSO Family,
We are excited to announce a special event for our HCSO employees and their families – a Back-to-School Free School Supplies Giveaway! This event is dedicated to supporting our community's children as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
The giveaway will take place at the HCSO Training Academy, located at 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, Texas. The event is open to children of HCSO employees from kindergarten through 7th grade. Students must attend the event to receive supplies.
In addition to free school supplies, there will be delicious snacks, including snow cones, popcorn, and pizza, along with fun games and activities for all ages.
HCSO employees are encouraged to volunteer their time to help make this event a success. We also welcome donations of school supplies to ensure we can support as many children as possible.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer or donor, please contact Deputy Etienne at 832-378-6352 or Ashley Barnes at 713-274-4960.
Let’s come together as a community to support our children and ensure they have a great start to the new school year!
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The emotional well-being of the individuals who serve and protect our communities is every bit as important as their physical health and safety.
The HCSO Behavioral Health Division provides evidence-based services focusing on the mental and emotional well-being of our HCSO employees. These services are free and provided to better equip our personnel with mental health support, especially during these turbulent times.
Our mental health providers are experts in providing care to first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel. They offer services in the office or via Telehealth to ensure safety and increase accessibility to care.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a remote version of healthcare through secure telecommunications technology.
What equipment do I need?
Telehealth can be accessed from your computer, smartphone, or tablet via a free app and/or browser. Ensure you have video and audio capabilities, and you're good to go!
Is this service free?
Yes! In-person and Telehealth clinic visits are FREE for all HCSO employees and eligible dependents.
In addition to clinic services, we provide outreach, preventative, and educational training through the HCSO Academy and Critical Incident responses; those Critical Incident (CI) responses include on-scene support and post-critical incident (PCI) support for individuals and/or groups, as needed.
Available by appointment only, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 346-286-3150.
If you need us, please reach out. We are here to serve you!
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The Houston Astros are proud to partner with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for the annual Law Enforcement Night as the Astros take on the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
Join us and show our appreciation for the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and first responders. This special offer is open to everyone, multiple seating options to choose from:
Multiple specially priced ticket packages start at just $28.00.
Click HERE to order online.
Thank you
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HCSO Newsletter #187 - Stay Safe and Enjoy the Summer Season | HCSO Newsletter #187 - Stay Safe and Enjoy the Summer Season Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: As we kick off the summer season, it's crucial to prior | | | | | | |
