Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – HCSO Celebrates Its Second Annual Awards in Excellence
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
There is something powerful about saying someone’s name out loud — in front of their peers, their leadership, and the family members who have stood beside them through every long shift and difficult call. That is exactly what the Harris County Sheriff’s Office did at its second annual Awards in Excellence ceremony. And this year, it meant even more than the first.
The ceremony was held at the Junior League of Houston, one of the generous partners who helped bring the event to life. From the moment Senior Policy Advisor Jason Spencer opened the program, the tone was set.
“Last year, we said this was just the beginning,” Spencer told the room. “Today, we prove it.”
What began as a vision to recognize employees in a meaningful, public way has become something larger — a tradition that this agency will carry for generations.
Although Sheriff Ed Gonzalez was unable to attend in person, Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz delivered the keynote remarks on his behalf — and left no doubt about the purpose of the day.
“There is no shortage of difficult days in this work,” Diaz said. “There are shifts that take something from you that you cannot quite name. There are calls you carry home. But then there are days like today — days when I can stand in front of this room and say, with complete certainty, that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is filled with people doing extraordinary things.”
And then he proved it. One name at a time.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award winners:
- Deputy of the Year — Deputy John Syzdek
- Sworn Rookie of the Year — Deputy Louie Ayala
- Field Training Officer of the Year — Deputy Joshua Blair
- Detective of the Year — Detective John O’Brien
- Sworn Supervisor of the Year — Lieutenant Aaron Brown
- Reserve Deputy of the Year — Reserve Captain Denise O’Leary
- Detention Officer of the Year — Officer Thearon Covington
- Rookie Detention Officer of the Year — Officer Albert Asanga
- Detention Supervisor of the Year — Captain Precious Williams
- Professional Staff Employee of the Year — Analyst Ana Ortiz
- Support Services Employee of the Year — Stacey Green
- Support Services Supervisor of the Year — Iram Price
- Telecommunications Officer of the Year — Elizabeth Nguyen
- Joseph Trapolino Award — Dr. Thomas McNeese
- Sandeep Dhaliwal Community Impact Award — Deputy Robbie Thomas-Williams
- Katrina Arnim Civilian Impact Award — Breana Love
- Lifetime Achievement Award — Detective Mario Quintanilla
Throughout the ceremony, those extraordinary things were brought to life. A deputy who pulled a person from a burning vehicle without hesitation.
Investigators whose decade-long pursuit of justice dismantled cartel operations across multiple U.S. cities. A telecommunicator who created a mental health newsletter for her colleagues — on her own time, without being asked. A reserve captain whose dedication to missing persons led to the passage of state legislation. A homicide detective who spent 34 years giving families the one thing no amount of time can replace: answers.
Awards spanned Patrol, Investigations, Detention Operations, and Support Services, with specialized honors recognizing mental health advocacy, community impact, and lifetime achievement. But as Diaz made clear, the recognition is about more than any single act.
“We are not just celebrating what they did,” he said. “We are celebrating a standard. A way of showing up — for this community, for this agency, and for each other.”
That standard was evident not only in the recipients but also in the sheer volume of nominations submitted by peers — a testament to a culture where excellence is noticed, valued, and celebrated.
The ceremony closed with a simple but powerful truth, delivered to a room full of deputies, detention officers, analysts, dispatchers, and the families who love them.
Excellence within HCSO is not rare. It is everywhere. It is in every shift, every unit, and every floor of every building this agency operates in. And thanks to the Awards in Excellence, those efforts will continue to be recognized, celebrated, and remembered — every single year.
HCSO Launches Cold Case Website to Renew Investigations
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is reinforcing its unwavering commitment to justice with the launch of a new Cold Case website—dedicated to unsolved homicide investigations in unincorporated Harris County.
Led by the HCSO Homicide Unit, these cases are far from forgotten. Investigators are actively reexamining evidence, pursuing new leads, and leveraging advances in forensic technology to uncover critical information that may once have been out of reach.
One case recently brought back into focus is the 2015 homicide of Don and Reda Rentz. Deputies conducting a welfare check at their Humble residence discovered the couple deceased inside their home, both victims of blunt force trauma. Nearly a decade later, investigators remain steadfast in their efforts to generate new leads and deliver long-awaited answers to their loved ones.
While some of these cases have remained unsolved for years, the mission remains unchanged: to seek justice for victims and provide closure for their families. Each investigation is approached with diligence, integrity, and strict adherence to the laws of the State of Texas and the United States.
The new Cold Case website also empowers the community to play a vital role. By sharing case details publicly, HCSO is calling on anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.
Crime Stoppers may offer rewards of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects. Tips can be submitted by calling (713) 222-TIPS (8477), online at crime-stoppers.org, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips submitted directly through Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward.
Individuals may also contact the HCSO Homicide Cold Case Unit at (713) 274-9777 or submit information online through the HCSO Homicide Unit.
Some of the most challenging cases are solved with just one new lead.
Every victim deserves justice. Every family deserves answers.
🔗 Visit the Cold Case website: harriscountyso.org/home/coldcases
WATCH: Cold Cases. Living Memories. Ongoing Justice.
HCSO In the News
Houstonia: How Art Is Changing Life Inside a Harris County Jail
At the Harris County Women’s Empowerment Center, arts education is helping incarcerated women reclaim purpose, stability, and a path forward
“…Incarcerated people here have access to GED courses, mental health services, yoga, and career guidance thanks to partnerships with cultural institutions, educators, and arts organizations.”
HOUSTON – A man, who is one of three suspects charged in the fatal shooting of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Almendarez, has been found guilty.
Joshua Stewart was found guilty of capital murder by a Harris County jury on Friday. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 33-year-old Christopher Brown, according to an April 2 press release.
Follow HCSO Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Teammates 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.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Salvador Bravo.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“This is a very belated shout-out to Deputy Salvador Bravo. Approximately four months ago, my wife and I were returning from out of town. On 99, we lost a rear tire, which shredded. We were barely able to move out of the traffic lane, but couldn’t get onto an exit or onto a nearly non-existent shoulder. Deputy Bravo arrived after we made a 911 call at 9 PM on a weekend, when wrecker services were stretched thin. He parked his vehicle to protect us from the extremely heavy, high-speed traffic. He stayed with us until, approximately an hour later, a wrecker arrived. His cool, calm demeanor gave us substantial relief in a dicey situation. His professionalism was very much appreciated and reflects very positively on the HCSO.”
Deputy Bravo has proudly served the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years, beginning his law enforcement career in August 2014. Currently assigned to the evening shift in District 1, Deputy Bravo brings the same calm, professional presence to every call — whether it’s a major incident or a stranded family on the side of a busy highway at night.
Because to Deputy Bravo, no call is too small. Every person in Harris County deserves to feel safe — and he makes sure they do.
Thank you, Deputy Bravo, for staying on that shoulder for an hour on a weekend night, for putting your vehicle between a family and danger, and for reminding us that sometimes the most powerful thing a deputy can do is stay. Harris County is grateful to have you.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Edwin Silva.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“Deputy Edwin Silva pulled up behind me on Beltway 8 just as my car had run out of gas! He was kind enough to block traffic so I didn’t have to worry about my car being hit from behind while I walked into the gas station to purchase gas and a gas can. And since I was already having such a ‘great’ day, I couldn’t get the gas can to work. Deputy Silva exited his cruiser to come help me, and after a few moments, I was back in my car, headed to my destination. His patient and understanding demeanor helped me to keep calm and collected as the Houston traffic went by. Thank you, Deputy Silva, and take care!”
Deputy Silva has proudly served HCSO since March 2010. Currently assigned to District 3 Day Shift Patrol, he exemplifies the dedication and compassion that HCSO strives to bring to every interaction with our community.
Deputy Silva, thank you for going above and beyond — not just to keep our roads safe, but to show a member of our community that someone truly cares. This is what HCSO is all about!
Justice for Christopher Brown: Help Solve Fatal Hit-and-Run
On December 17, 2025, Christopher Brown was walking along F.M. 529 and Jackrabbit Road when he was struck and killed by a vehicle that fled the scene.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved is a 2013–2024 Toyota 4Runner with front left damage.
Someone knows something.
If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS, you can remain anonymous, and a tip of up to $5,000 is being offered, or call the HCSO Vehicular Crimes Division at 713-274-7400.
One tip can make the difference.
You are Invited to Join HCSO
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Career Fair — and you can apply, test, and take the next step toward a meaningful career all in one day.
- May 9, 2026
- HCSO Academy — 2316 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX 77396
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Walk-ins welcome until 1:30 PM
We are hiring Detention Officers, Communications Officers, and more!
Just show up. Apply. That’s it.
Supporting the Unhoused Community
We recently wrapped up a joint initiative focused on addressing unhoused individuals, traffic safety, and crime.
This effort brought together the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston METRO, Houston Police Department, Terry Allbritton, Harris County Constable Precinct 5, Harris Health Harris County Public Health, the Harris County HART Team, and Tom S Ramsey, PE, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office
The objective was clear: use a coordinated approach to connect individuals with resources while improving public safety for everyone in the area.
Arrive Alive!
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO urge drivers to stay focused. A single distraction can be the difference between life and tragedy.
Heads up, phones down—your only priority is driving!
Let’s make Harris County safer.
2026 Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
Behind every badge is a person — a parent, a partner, a friend — who chose to serve knowing the risks. This April 30th, we pause to say their names, honor their memory, and hold their families close in our hearts.
Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO family at the 2026 Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.
Thursday, April 30 | 7:00 p.m.
Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston | 3001 Main St.
They will never be forgotten.
Honoring Victims. Standing with Families. Seeking Justice.
Major Ben Katrib and detectives with the Homicide and Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) joined Parents of Murdered Children during their monthly meeting.
They shared more about the work being done across our community to track down and arrest violent offenders—especially those wanted for murder.
For these families, the pain never goes away. And for our detectives, neither does the commitment to seeking justice.
Every arrest is about more than clearing a case—it’s about honoring victims and standing with those left behind.
