Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Harris County residents cast ballots in record numbers, shattering our county’s all-time voter turnout record in the face of a pandemic. This extraordinary surge during this historic election speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to democracy and making our voices heard.
It has been the honor of my life to serve you as Harris County Sheriff. I’m grateful to the voters of Harris County for entrusting me with the important responsibility of leading this agency of devoted and dedicated public servants. It’s a duty and privilege I never take lightly. My second term as Sheriff was earned as a team and is a testament to the collective efforts of my teammates who make the Sheriff’s Office “The Pride of Texas” and a model agency across our state and nation.
We hold the public’s trust as sacred and will always strive to put your safety first through proactive, community policing. With your support, we’ve made significant strides over the past four years and look forward to building on that momentum. Our agency has actively addressed mental health and homelessness issues, as well as disparities in the local criminal justice system through dedicated training, collaborative partnerships, and innovative programs. We have proven that public safety and societal equity can both be achieved without sacrificing either. In fact, we have shown that public safety is best achieved when everyone knows they can trust that our deputies will consistently treat them with dignity and respect.
But much work remains to be done. We must continue to identify critical tools and search for new ways to improve the safety of our county. We must also move closer toward a more effective, equitable, and thoughtful approach to law enforcement.
We are in this together. The partnership between you and our agency is critical in preventing crime and maintaining a safe and secure community. I am encouraged and energized by our overwhelming enthusiasm for democracy and challenge us to remain engaged in our communities to build a brighter future for our county. Your participation is the cornerstone of our democracy and the catalyst for safer, more caring communities.
Mourning the Loss of Deputy Johnny Tunches
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announced the passing of our long-time brother and teammate, Deputy Johnny Tunches, on early Tuesday morning.
Deputy Tunches, a 29-year-veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and a U.S. Navy veteran, passed away after a courageous battle against COVID-19. He was hospitalized for nearly a month after contracting the virus. While he was in an intensive care unit, our Chaplin and his teammates gathered outside the hospital to lift him and his family up in prayer.
Deputy Tunches began his service with our agency in 1991 at a former detention center in the Atascocita area before working at the Inmate Processing Center. His latest assignment was serving the residents of north Harris County as a Contract Deputy in District 2, the same district our fallen brother Sgt. Scholwinski patrolled and protected.
Deputy Tunches was part of a family of public service. His brother, Randy Tunches, was part of our agency’s vice squad and retired as a Lieutenant.
In the line of duty funeral services for Deputy Tunches will be held on Thursday, November 12 at the First Assembly of God Church in Humble. The services will be live streamed on our Facebook page starting at 10 a.m.
We will keep Deputy Tunches and his family in our hearts. Your brothers and sisters in blue have the watch from here.
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Burglary and Theft Investigator Ureña Shares Safety Tips To Prevent Porch Pirates |
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As we approach the holidays, you may start receiving more mail and packages. The holiday season is a gold mine for so-called porch pirates. From our archives, Deputy Ureña shares how to avoid having your packages stolen from your doorstep. |
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Wellness Corner: Alzheimer's Awareness Month |
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A Note from Our Behavioral Health Division's Dr. Perez |
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Dementia is characterized by a decline in our memory and thought processes. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts about 70% of cases.
Early signs of Alzheimer's disease may be subtle and not too different from normal aging. It's a progressive disease, and people have more trouble with memory, thinking, and behavioral problems over time.
The disease gradually leads to a loss of independent function and creates significant emotional distress for the patient, their family members, and caregivers.
Risk Factors
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a family history of the disease is not necessary for an individual to develop Alzheimer's disease. However, research shows that those who have a parent or sibling with the disease are more likely to develop it than those who don't. People who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at an even higher risk of developing it.
Other risk factors include increased age, your sex (more likely in women), and a history of significant head injury. Although there isn’t much we can do about our genes or relatives, we can take simple steps to help prevent Alzheimer's.
Here Are Some Things That You Can Do To Help:
- Exercise
- Eat Well
- Don’t Smoke
- Go Easy on the Alcohol
- Keep Your Mind Active: Study something new and interesting, learn a new language, play games, do puzzles, read challenging books, take up an instrument, or start writing
- Stay Socially Engaged: Keep in touch with others, volunteer, and join organizations or group activities
Caregivers
Let's not forget about the staff, family, and caregivers who also need help and support.
If you are a caregiver and find it difficult, you are not alone! The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association reports caregiving impacts non-professional caregivers in several ways including stress, depression, worry, and health. Clearly, caregivers need to take care of themselves, too.
A professional caregiver can assist you with the amount of hours it takes to care for your loved one. Click here for 50 activities that can assist you when working with your loved one.
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Dr. Kimm Perez, Licensed Professional Counselor |
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The mission of our Behavioral Health Division is to provide quality behavioral health services and support to our employees and their families through evaluation, consultation, and counseling. |
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Dr. Perez leads our Behavioral Health Division's prevention and awareness efforts as the Division's Public Information and Promotions Manager. She is a passionate scholar-practitioner with experience in the criminal justice setting, as well as community treatment and outreach work. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Capella University and a master’s degree in Psychology from Houston Baptist University. Her spouse is a deputy.
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“'Our Sheriff’s Office family mourns the death of Deputy John Tunches,' Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated.
'Deputy Tunches served the people of Harris County with distinction. We were proud to call him our partner, and our friend. He will be missed terribly, and our condolences go out to his family and all those whose lives he touched.'”
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"Randy says his brother was a role model and truly enjoyed the community he served and those he worked with.
'He was the kind of guy that they would go to for advice and for a shoulder to lean on,' Randy said. 'It’s been really hard for those guys in that district, this is the second death out of that district.'”
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"Why is a role like yours important in the patrolling process?
'This person oversees the patrol officers, who are the first responders. We mentor them. I have been around over 25 years and have knowledge in various areas of law enforcement. I have worked the jail, booking/releasing, immigration, patrol, administration and investigations. We must keep our skill set up and continue training because it makes you a better officer.'"
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Our Lateral Deputies Participated in a 40-Hour Mental Health Class at the Academy |
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Our Crime Reduction Unit in District 1 Investigated Suspects Who Stole Catalytic Converters From Vehicles |
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We're Proud To Partner With the Menninger Clinic
Mental Health Education and Training in Law Enforcement is Vital
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Miss Last Week's Newsletter? |
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HCSO Newsletter #89 - Take the Red Ribbon Pledge to Live ...
Every year, neighbors across the U.S. come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in honor of fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena’s memory and his battle against drugs.
Read more
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