Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Honoring the Voices Who Bring Calm to Every Emergency
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
When emergencies happen, the community’s first thought often goes to the sirens, flashing lights, and first responders rushing to the scene. But before any of that, there’s a voice – a calm, steady voice guiding someone through what may be the worst moment of their life. That voice belongs to a Harris County Sheriff’s Office Communications Officer.
As we observe National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 13-19, 2025, we proudly spotlight these dedicated professionals and remind our community that HCSO is actively hiring. This may be your calling if you possess a unique ability to remain composed under pressure and seek a career with a profound purpose.
Many of our Communications Officers describe the work as demanding yet deeply rewarding, a sentiment echoed by Jai Ponce, who joined HCSO three years ago. “I have a strong desire to help others,” Ponce shares, “so being a telecommunications officer was the perfect fit for me.” This sentiment of service is a common thread among these professionals.
Elsi Palacios, a seasoned veteran with 18 years of experience, speaks to the profound impact of providing reassurance during times of crisis. “When someone feels like everything’s coming down on them,” Palacios explains, “I’m the one that’s there to help them, to walk them through their emergency, and reassure them that help is on the way.” This ability to offer calm in the face of chaos is a core component of the role.
As Saul Ortega, with two and a half years of service, attests, the ability to remain composed under pressure is a skill honed over time. “Something I learned over time while working here,” said Ortega, “is to stay calm under pressure.” This composure is crucial in ensuring accurate and rapid communication with law enforcement and emergency responders, facilitating effective and timely aid.
For Cynthia Mayer, who has served for three and a half years, the work provides a deep sense of purpose, often in deeply personal ways. “I love coming to work, I love doing what I do,” Mayer shares, “and I come home every night happy that I could at least help one person.” This connection to the community and the knowledge that their work truly matters is a significant motivator for many in this role.
Beyond the calls themselves, a strong sense of camaraderie develops in this high-stakes environment. Ricardo Tamayo, a veteran with 11 years of service, reflects on this unexpected benefit: “I didn’t really come here expecting to make friends; it just happened. I always tell my coworkers that they’re the family I never wanted but I got.” This speaks to the unique bonds formed in the face of shared responsibility and challenging circumstances.
With nearly two decades of experience, Lauren Sauceda understands the importance of mental wellness in this demanding line of work. She offers this advice to new hires: “One of the biggest things is not to take the job home with you. It’s important to find an outlet. Whether it’s another person who understands you or a physical activity.” This emphasis on self-care and resilience is a crucial aspect of a successful career in telecommunications.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Communications Officers. If you are a steady presence in stressful moments, possess a strong desire to serve your community, and are seeking a career where your voice can make a difference, we encourage you to apply. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to be part of a team that truly supports one another. Visit hcsojobs.com to learn more and apply.
This week, and every week, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Communication Officers for their unwavering service, dedication, and the vital role they play in keeping Harris County safe. Thank you for being the lifeline in someone’s darkest hour.
Beyond the Badge: Bomb Unit Crafts Joy for Visually Impaired Children
For many, Easter is synonymous with vibrant colors and the thrill of the egg hunt. However, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit has, since 2019, expanded that experience to include children with visual impairments, demonstrating a profound commitment to serving all members of our community.
Each year, the Bomb Unit team dedicates their time and expertise to create a truly special Easter tradition: a beeping Easter egg hunt. This innovative event allows children who might otherwise miss out on this cherished activity to participate fully, experiencing the joy and independence of the hunt.
In partnership with Conroe ISD, the team created an inclusive and joyful experience for more than 20 students—proving that every child can be seen, heard, and included with a bit of creativity and a lot of heart. This year’s event took place at Northshore Park, located at 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr. in The Woodlands, TX.
The ingenuity behind this event is remarkable. Leveraging their specialized knowledge of electronics and improvised explosive device (IED) components, Bomb Unit members meticulously handcraft each egg. They carefully solder and program small devices within the plastic shells, producing a beeping sound that enables children to audibly locate and collect the eggs.
What truly sets this initiative apart is the deeply personal investment of the Bomb Unit team. This is not a sponsored event; rather, it is a labor of love. All materials and components required to build these unique beeping eggs are purchased out-of-pocket by the unit’s members, reflecting their unwavering dedication to this cause.
The impact of this event extends far beyond the hunt itself. Families have expressed immense gratitude for the care and thoughtfulness that underpin this tradition. One particularly moving example occurred two years ago when the sibling of a participant chose to wear a blindfold during the hunt. This act of empathy allowed her to share in her sister’s experience and gain a deeper understanding of her perspective.
The annual beeping egg hunt is more than just a holiday event; it is a testament to the compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment of the HCSO Bomb Unit to ensuring that every child in our community can experience joy and belonging. It exemplifies how law enforcement extends beyond traditional duties to create meaningful connections and foster a more inclusive community.
WATCH: HSCO Bomb Squad: Beeping Egg Hunt
HCSO In the News
CW39: Harris County Sheriff’s Office hiring event April 15
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KIAH) — The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is looking for new recruits to join its team and serve the community.
A hiring event will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HCSO Recruiting Offices, located at 5749 S. Loop East, Suite 100, Houston, TX.
CW39: Harris County Sheriff: Child abuse prevention is everyone’s duty
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KIAH) – April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is urging the community to stay vigilant and report any signs of child abuse.
Today, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring their safety and that child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility. By speaking up, anyone can help protect children and create a safer future for all children.
KHOU11: Portion of Eastex Freeway named in honor of fallen Harris County deputy
Houston renames part of Eastex Freeway to honor fallen Deputy Darren Almendarez.
Follow HCSO Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
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.
“I would like to commend Deputy Cadenas for her outstanding professionalism during a traffic stop on March 28th, 2025, around 5 PM. When I did not completely stop at a stop sign, she handled the situation with excellent judgment and tact,” said a Harris County resident. “Deputy Cadenas clearly explained the reason for the stop and treated me with courtesy and respect. She exemplifies the high standards of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and has earned my admiration for her service.”
Deputy Nancy Cadenas has been with our agency for five years. She began her law enforcement career in 2018 at the University of Houston and currently serves our community in District 5, located in north Harris County.
In Honor of Deputy Darren Almendarez
On March 31, 2025, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, alongside our valued partners, came together to honor the memory of Deputy Darren Almendarez by dedicating a portion of US-59 between Little York and BW8 in his name. This tribute marks the solemn third anniversary of his passing.
Deputy Almendarez, a 23-year veteran and dedicated Auto Theft Task Force Detective, made the ultimate sacrifice on March 31, 2022, while bravely intervening to stop a catalytic converter theft. Beyond his badge, he was an extraordinary husband, father, and friend whose legacy of courage and service will never be forgotten.
The new memorial sign on the northbound side of US-59 at Cedar Hill is a lasting tribute to his dedication and heroism.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this meaningful tribute possible.
Honoring a Legacy of Courage: Remembering Our Fallen Detectives
On April 1, 2025, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office solemnly honor Detective John Coddou, Detective Darren Almendarez, and Detective Fernando Esqueda, three remarkable men whose dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice will never be forgotten.
With deep reverence, we posthumously promote them to the rank of Detective — a title they embodied through their actions and sacrifices. Their relentless pursuit of truth, courage in the face of danger, and devotion to protecting our community leave behind a powerful legacy.
To their families, colleagues, and loved ones — we stand with you. Their names, their work, and their sacrifice will live on.
Heroes are never truly gone. They live in the lives they touched, the justice they fought for, and the stories we tell to honor them.
