Newsletter #166 – HCSO Revamps Newsletter | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Joseph Anderson was shot during a traffic stop at the 13600 block of Homestead Road in north Harris County. He was transported via life flight to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in critical but stable condition. | | |
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Deputy Anderson is 29 years old and started his law enforcement career with Brookshire Police Department in 2017 and joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office in June 2022. He is currently assigned to patrol District 2 in north Harris County. His twin brother, Jacob Anderson, also works in patrol with HCSO.
"Deputy Anderson builds good relationships through open and friendly communication. He's easy to work with and is well-liked by his peers," said his supervisor.
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The suspect, Terran Green, was taken into custody Thursday evening after a SWAT standoff in the 15100 block of Silhouette Ridge in northeast Harris County. During the standoff, Green injured two U.S. Marshal deputies and a Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy. The injured officers are in good condition and have been released from a local hospital. Green has been charged with three counts of Attempted Capital Murder.
Incredible work by HCSO SWAT and our negotiators. We appreciate the assistance from the Houston Police SWAT, FBI Houston, and all our public safety partners.
Please continue to pray for Deputy Anderson, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time. We hope the injured deputies have a speedy recovery!
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I’m thrilled to announce that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is revamping and invigorating our newsletter, building stronger connections, and fostering unity among our team and community. Our priority is to be transparent and keep our temmates informed consistently.
The goal of the biweekly newsletter is to improve internal communication and keep our teammates informed. To maximize the impact of our newsletter, we encourage all units and teammates to collaborate with us on this journey and submit potential content to the Media Team to media@sheriff.hctx.net. Also, feel free to provide suggestions for topics and highlights. By improving our communication, we can strengthen our collaboration and drive greater efficiency throughout our projects. We value your feedback and ideas, so please reach out with any suggestions or contributions you would like to make to the revamped newsletter.
I want to acknowledge the incredible work and dedication each one of you has displayed day in and day out. Your commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, and our achievements thus far are a testament to our collective efforts.
Thank you for your dedication and unwavering commitment to our team's success. Let's embark on this new chapter together and make our newsletter a source of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration.
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Stay Informed and Be Hurricane Ready | |
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The peak of hurricane season in Houston typically occurs from mid-August through early October. During this time, the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico conditions become most favorable for tropical storm and hurricane development. While we are experiencing record triple-digit temperatures, we encourage our residents to stay alert during the peak of hurricane season. Also, September is National Preparedness Month, and the hurricane season officially ends on November 30.
We encourage everyone to take action today to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Ensure you know what to do before, during, and after a storm.
The time to prepare is now. If you haven’t already, finalize your emergency plan, stock up on critical supplies, bookmark preparedness resources, and stay informed.
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Create an Emergency Plan: Knowing what to do protects you and your loved ones. Every family is unique and has different needs. Discuss how you will stay in contact with each other, what you will do in an emergency, and where you will go if you need to evacuate.
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Stay Informed: Closely monitor the local National Weather Service forecast and sign up for emergency alerts at Ready Harris. If you must get on the roads, check road conditions on Houston TranStar’s traffic map.
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Build a Kit: During emergencies, you may need to evacuate or hunker down at home for an extended period. Consider building a go-bag and shelter-in-place kit. Don’t panic – give yourself time to purchase disaster supplies and prepare your emergency food, water, and medical necessities.
Disasters happen; the time to prepare is now! Visit hurricanes.gov/prepare for more information, and stay safe!
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The Harris County deputy who was shot during a traffic stop Wednesday is recovering miraculously after surgery, talking and even joking with his family, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
“He’s awake and alert. Laughing,” Gonzalez told he media. “He has a twin brother that’s in the sheriff’s office department as well and there was a debate as to who is the better looking one.” Sheriff Gonzalez said Deputy Joseph Anderson, 29, was conducting a traffic stop in the 13500 block of Homestead Road, in northeast Harris County, when he was fired upon.
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An operation led by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office helped find 31 runaway children.
"Our mission to protect our youth and ensure their safety remains a top priority, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said “This operation demonstrates our commitment to serve and protect our community's most vulnerable especially as they face potential risks and challenges."
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Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su visited Harris County’s downtown Women’s Center jail during a trip to Houston that included touring some of the region’s investments of American Rescue Plan Act funds. | | | |
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Do you know someone looking for a job? We're Hiring!
Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250 to apply today!
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Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office at a Detention Officer Hiring Event! Are you looking for a new rewarding career? Join us for a fast-track Detention Officer Hiring Event on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5749 S. Loop East Fwy, Houston, TX 77033.
We will have on-site testing, interviews, background checks, and fingerprinting! Take advantage of the $4,000 hiring bonus!
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Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond.
"Driving through Houston on April 20 on I-10, I had a blowout on my car. I was working on changing the tire when Deputy Spivey pulled over and assisted me" said a Harris County resident.
Deputy Spivey started his law enforcement career with our agency in 2013 as a detention officer. He became a patrol deputy in 2015. He is currently assigned to our Motorist Assistance Program (MAP).
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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 well-deserved retirement, and best of luck on the next chapter in your life. | |
Harris County Sheriff's Office Commendations Ceremony | |
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We are very excited to announce 41 Commendation Packets have been reviewed and approved by the Commendation Committee. On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6 p.m., 248 of our hardworking teammates will be honored for their exemplary service.
We invite you to attend and show your support for our teammates and their families. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Commendations Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, located at 29900 Hwy 290, Cypress, TX, 77433. Dress code is the uniform of the day: Class A.
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Benefits Update: New Insurance Carrier for Plan Year 2024 | |
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Beginning January 1, 2024, our medical insurance carrier is changing to Aetna. This award was approved in the most recent Commissioners Court session. As we gear up for an earlier open enrollment, you will begin receiving communication from Aetna and Benefits & Wellness.
No Changes to Plans or Premiums
Court also approved our current Base and Plus plan options as well as no change in our premium amounts for the 2024 plan year. The Healthy Actions Incentive will also increase to $300. This maximum amount can be earned during the next tracking period for completing certain healthy actions from November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2024.
Mark Your Calendars For Open Enrollment!
Remember, as we transition our benefits calendar to align with the calendar year starting in 2024, open enrollment will now take place October 16 through November 3. As in the past, enrollment is handled online through STARS Employee Self-Service at stars-hr.hctx.net.
Have Any 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
benefitsathctx.com
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NRG Arena Elections Security Z-Time Available | |
Sign up for the NRG Arena election security. The overtime will start this Thursday, August 17th, at 0600 hours and continue through mid-November. HCSO will have 2 personnel assigned to each shift for the duration of the overtime.
LOCATION
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The overtime will be worked at NRG Arena – Hall D; see attached map.
SCHEDULE
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Click here to see the schedule; please review & verify your shifts are correct. If, for any reason, you are unable to work please advise ASAP so we can get the position filled. Several of you advised me of days you will need to be off; please send a reminder now that the schedule has been finalized.
REMINDERS
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There will be a sign-in sheet for you to fill out at the location. This will be used to verify your hours; make sure you are signing in and the hours you enter on STARS match the sign-in sheet. Please utilize the “notes” section on the sign-in sheet for any relevant pass-on information.
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You must stay at the location for the duration of the overtime & be INSIDE of NRG Arena. We are not permitted to sit outside in our vehicles.
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Make sure you arrive on time for your shift; the person working cannot leave the location until you arrive and relieve them. If you are relieved late, please keep me updated.
- Vehicles should be parked in the circle driveway or parking lot (not in front of the glass doors).
- No smoking inside NRG Arena.
STARS
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Payroll codes are below; make sure you code it using Secondary Position Rate.
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PC Business Unit: HC001
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Project ID: EA_SECURITY
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Activity ID: SHERIFF1
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Fund: 1000
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The next General Membership Quarterly Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Aug 30th, 2023. Previously, there was a single meeting for all ERC representatives; however, due to time and space concerns, the Quarterly ERC Meeting has been split into two separate events on the same day.
The Quarterly ERC Meeting for those assigned to Detention Command will be from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. in the Community Room of the Women’s Empowerment Center.
The Law Enforcement Command, Administrative Operations Command, and all other Direct Report areas will have a Quarterly ERC Meeting from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the HCSO Academy.
Representatives’ requests to speak during the open forum portion of the meeting must be submitted to ERC@sheriff.hctx.net by 10 a.m. on Monday August 28th 2023. Late requests will be considered for the following quarterly meeting (end of Fall 2023). Also, because open forum topics must first have been presented at the division level please include the corresponding ERC ticket number/s with the request.
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Sick Leave Pool Program - Registration Period Coming Soon! | |
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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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HCSO Behavioral Health Division | |
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The emotional well-being of the men and women who serve and protect our communities is every bit as important as their physical health and safety, whether in criminal justice work, police work, civilian work, or correctional officer work.
The HCSO Behavioral Health Division provides evidence-based services with a focus on the mental and emotional wellbeing of our HCSO personnel. These services are free, and are provided in order to better equip our men and women 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, and offer services in office or via Telehealth to ensure safety and increase accessibility to care.
Available by appointment only, M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. Please call 346-286-3150. If you need us, please reach out. We are here to serve you!
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