Newsletter #168 – HCSO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges and celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our county is important. | | |
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National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Heritage Month, is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15, because it commemorates the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Mexico which celebrates its independence on September 16. This month-long celebration is meant to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic individuals. | |
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From art to literature, music to food, there is so much to celebrate and learn about Hispanic cultures. Let's take this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves, appreciate diversity, and foster a more inclusive society.
Join me in recognizing and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic heritage! Ways to honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month:
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Educate yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources highlighting Hispanic heritage.
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Share knowledge: Raise awareness about the achievements and struggles of Hispanic Americans.
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Attend cultural events: Participate in local celebrations, festivals, or exhibitions that showcase Hispanic heritage, such as music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
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Support Hispanic-owned businesses: Visit local Hispanic restaurants, shops, and businesses to show appreciation for their contributions to the community's economy.
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Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to Hispanic community organizations or initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, social justice, or other relevant causes.
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Recognize Hispanic leaders: Highlight and acknowledge the achievements of Hispanic leaders in your community, workplace, or school.
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Promote cultural integration: Encourage diversity and inclusivity by fostering a safe and welcoming environment for others.
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Together ‘Unidos’ We Make The Difference | |
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This month also serves as a platform to raise awareness of the challenges and issues faced by the Hispanic community. In 2021, we launched Unidos, a program aimed at providing assistance to Spanish-speaking residents in Harris County through valuable resources and connections to meet the community's needs.
Unidos covers a range of topics, including how to report a crime and address public safety concerns. The program helps promote safer communities and a better quality of life by establishing meaningful relationships with residents and empowering them through education. For more information about Unidos, send an email to Unidos@sheriff.hctx.net.
We hope everyone has a happy and memorable Hispanic Heritage Month!
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In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month and Week, HCSO Behavioral Health and Mental Health Divisions joined forces with The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD and hosted a discussion on suicide prevention and awareness and answered questions from the viewers.
Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger. It is critical that you recognize what stress looks like, take steps to build your resilience, and know where to go if you need help.
If you are worried about a loved one or if you need help, please call:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
- For Emergencies call 911
- The Harris Center 713-970-7000
- HCSO non-emergency line 713-221-6000
- Mobile Crisis Outreach Team 713-970-7520
- Crisis Hotline-Military Veterans 1-800-273-8255
There's always a better path with care, resources, and support. You are not alone.
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HCSO Behavioral Health Division | |
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The inherent stress and pressure of our work can sometimes take a negative toll on us. Providing care to others as first responders can add another layer of stress and anxiety in our lives. We recognize the importance of the mental and emotional well-being of our teammates as they seek to carry out their duties effectively and safely.
The mission of the Behavioral Health Division, led by Dr. Thomas McNeese, is to provide quality behavioral health services and support to our employees and their families through evaluation, consultation, and counseling.
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Behavioral Health Division services are delivered in four primary areas:
- Confidential mental health care
- Critical incident
- Outreach, prevention, and training
- Consultation
Services are free and confidential. For more information or to make an appointment, call 346-286-3150 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Remote visits are also available.
Useful Resources:
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“A Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy who was shot in the line of duty was released from the hospital recently.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Joseph Anderson, who was shot during a traffic stop last month, left on Saturday, nearly one month after he was shot.
Terran Green, the man facing charges in connection with Anderson's shooting, is due back in court in November. He's accused of shooting several law enforcement officers over the course of about 24 hours in August. Three of them were shot and one was injured by shrapnel.”
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“For years, the parents of missing children company that the term "runaway" has held back law enforcement efforts to find their kids. But now, with a better understanding of child trafficking, some of that appears to be changing.
Last month, KHOU 11 News followed a new Harris County task force designated to locate reported runaway kids. The sheriff’s office said it's working, but some parents of missing kids said that for them, it's too late.”
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“Captain Donald Wine of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and a strong Katyite, including a proud Katy High School graduate, sat down exclusively with Katy Magazine to talk the state of Katy's crime.
Katy’s growth comes with many great new amenities and opportunities, but crime also follows growth along with the rise in population. Captain Wine loves Katy and wants people to trust the police and take responsibility for keeping this community great. “If you don’t report it, we don’t know about it,” says Captain Wine. “Your police are here and we do care.””
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For the next year, deputies will handle eligible 911 calls/reports by phone allowing patrol deputies to focus on higher-priority calls with faster response times. For more information or to sign up, deputies can email Sgt. Carson McMath at Carson.McMath@sheriff.hctx.net. | |
HCSO Teammate of the Week | |
Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond. | |
Fundraiser for Deputy Anderson! | |
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Join us at the Fundraiser for Deputy Anderson! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be selling delicious BBQ pulled pork plates at only $15! We will be at Will Clayton Substation, located at 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, Texas 77338.
All donations will be given to Deputy Anderson to help offset his medical expenses This event is hosted by Thin Blue Line Northwest Chapter. If you would like to make a donation to Deputy Anderson please Zelle your donations to 713-248-4538. We hope to see y'all there!
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We look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities on October 3 and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community.
If you would like to volunteer please reach out to Community Engagement at 346-286-3125. If your neighborhood plans on participating, please click here to register.
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Do you like to ride bicycles? Join HCSO on September 24, for the Pedal for the Call! The goal is to raise public awareness of police suicides in the nation and raise funds for the nonprofit organization COPLine. Please click here to register. | |
Join us at the upcoming Bicycle Rodeo Event! HCSO deputies will be on hand to conduct bicycle inspections, provide safety tips, and answer all your questions. | |
Join us September 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for karaoke with a deputy! | | |
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Harris County Sheriff’s Office team “Ramon’s Runners” is set up for the 2023 Walk Like MADD event! The team name honors our fallen brother, Sergeant Ramon Gutierrez.
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church – Jersey Village 16518 Jersey Drive Jersey Village, TX 77040
Please share the link and encourage everyone you know to help all victims and survivors of impaired driving by donating to our team: Donate To Ramon's Runners - Fundraising For 2023 Walk Like MADD Harris and Montgomery County.
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This year's Blue Mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in the Spring Branch area of Houston. All are invited, and it would be great if you could support this service with your attendance. Bring your families. Enjoy the static displays. For HCSO team members attending in uniform, please participate in the Color Guard lineup at 9:30 a.m. Let's have a great turnout from the HCSO! Hope to see you there! Please don't hesitate to contact Major Tommy Shelton, Jr. if you have any questions. | |
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. | |
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The new STARS timesheet is now available. The information here and in the attachment is for all employees in STARS Self-Service by clicking on the “Training Announcement” tile.
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As you may know, our Medical Insurance provider will be changing to Aetna, effective Jan 1, 2024.
To inform employees of Aetna’s resources and programs, the Benefits and Wellness Team will host the below in-person Open Enrollment meetings at HCSO. In these meetings, we will discuss the changes and give the opportunity for questions to be asked and answered.
- Emergency Dispatch Center - 3000 E. Aldine Amphitheatre, Houston, TX 77039 (Multipurpose Room): 10/04/2023 at 1 p.m.
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1200 Baker Jail - 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002 (1st Floor Conference Room): 10/05/2023 at 1 p.m.
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HCSO Academy - 2316 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX 77396 (Classroom #3): 10/09/2023 at 9 a.m.
Remember, as we transition our benefits calendar to align with the calendar year starting in 2024, open enrollment will now take place from October 16 through November 3. As in the past, enrollment is handled online through STARS Employee Self-Service at stars-hr.hctx.net.
Click here for the Frequently Asked Aetna Questions.
Please reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help.
Benefits & Wellness
Human Resources & Risk Management
713-274-5500
benefits@harriscountytx.gov
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BPOC Application Deadline | |
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Dear teammates,
The BPOC application deadline will be September 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Please see below the requirements you will need to qualify:
- An Associate's Degree or a minimum of 60 college credit hours with at least a 2.0 GPA from an accredited institution OR
- High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of two years of military service in the United States Armed Forces with an Honorable Discharge
- If military experience is exclusive to the reserves or National Guard, the applicant must have accumulated 730 retirement points or have six (6) years of service.
Click here to apply or visit the application link.
For any questions, please get in touch with Joshua Floyd:
Office: 713.877.5250
Direct: 713.274.4711
Email: Joshua.Floyd@sheriff.hctx.net
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Sick Leave Pool Program – Registration Period | |
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Commissioners Court established a Sick Leave Pool Program to assist eligible Harris County employees who are experiencing a hardship due to their own catastrophic injury or illness and have exhausted all accrued paid leave.
Eligible employees will be able to donate leave to the Sick Leave Pool Program through the STARS Employee Self-Service (ESS) starting on August 26, 2023 through September 22, 2023.
Donations to the Sick Leave Pool are strictly voluntary. To be eligible to receive up to 480 hours of Catastrophic Leave from the Pool, you may donate a minimum of 8 hours of sick and/or vacation leave (and a maximum of 40 hours) to the Sick Leave Pool. Employees who donate hours during the registration period will be eligible to utilize the Pool from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.
*Please note: The donation cannot cause the employee’s combined sick and vacation leave balance to fall below 40 hours.
For information on how to donate sick and vacation leave to the Pool via the STARS Employee Self Service (ESS) during the registration period, please see the attached ESS – Donating Time to the Sick Leave Pool, Job Aid.
For additional information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the attached flyer and visit our website at: http://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Human-Resources/Sick-Leave-Pool-Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Garza at (713) 274-5440, Erica Gomez at (713) 274-5528, and Kenya Johnson at (713) 274-5446 or you may send an email to SickLeavePool@harriscountytx.gov.
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Newsletter #167 - The Pride of Texas | Newsletter #167 - The Pride of Texas Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Last week, the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) honored exceptional deput | | | | | | |
