Author: HCMUD 150

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.

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.

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!

HCSO Revamps Newsletter

I’m thrilled to announce that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is revamping and invigorating our newsletter, building stronger connections with our community. Our priority is to be transparent and keep our residents informed consistently.

We know that a strong community depends on solid relationships. And we recognize your invaluable impact on the safety of our communities and Harris County’s future.

A safe and compassionate community requires constant attention, care, and collaboration. We encourage our community to subscribe to our biweekly newsletter and stay informed. Thank you for your partnership and for joining us on this journey.

Stay Informed and Be Hurricane Ready

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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!

Back-To-School Safety Tips

The start of a new school year brings a need for extra caution. Please help us keep our children safe by following the safety tips below:

1. Plan your route: Take the time to plan the safest route to and from school.
2. Walk in groups: Encourage your child to walk with friends or siblings to and from school.
3. Teach traffic safety: Educate your child about proper traffic safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, crossing at designated areas, and obeying traffic signals.
4. Stranger danger: Talk to your child about the importance of not talking to or accepting rides from strangers.
5. Use reflective gear: With shorter daylight hours, children need to be visible to drivers.
6. School bus safety: If your child takes the school bus, review proper bus safety rules with them.
7. Practice emergencies: Role-play different scenarios with your child, such as what to do if they get lost, if a stranger approaches them, or if they encounter dangerous animals. Ensure they know how to dial emergency numbers like 911 and have a safe place to go in emergencies.
8. Communication is vital: Maintain open lines of communication with your child. Please encourage them to share any concerns or incidents that happen during their commute. Be a listening and supportive ear, and take appropriate action if needed.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority regarding your child’s commute to and from school. I hope everyone has a safe school year!

HCSO In The News

Road to recovery: Harris County deputy shot during traffic stop talking, laughing after undergoing emergency surgery

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.

Dozens of runaways at risk for human trafficking rescued, HCSO says

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.”

Labor secretary visits Houston Women’s Center jail on tour of American Rescue Plan Act investments

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.

Are you looking for a job? We’re Hiring!

Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250 to apply today!

HCSO Fast Track Detention Officer Hiring Event

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!

HCSO Teammate of the Week

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).

 

Sergeant Ben Russell of the Harris County Sheriff”s Office was recently honored by State Representative, Penny Morales Shaw, for his outstanding service to the Harris County Mud 150 community.

Sergeant Russell was presented with a Texas flag that had previously flown over the Texas Capitol and a Resolution from Representative Morales Shaw recognizing “his unwavering commitment to the highest standards of his profession,” and for consistently going “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Thank you to Sergeant Russell and his patrol team for helping keep our neighborhoods safe.

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Members from all over HCSO participated in various Back To School events as summer came to a close.

School supplies drives like these not only help the community, but also give our teammates an opportunity to get to know our greatest partners…YOU.

Without the collaboration of our community partners, we can’t accomplish our mission.

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who contributed to local Back to School Drives this summer!

HCSO Homeland Security Bureau Makes History with Battleship Texas

In the early hours of August 31st, the USS Texas started a historic journey from San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to its new home in Galveston.

The battleship was the only battleship in the US Navy to survive both World War ne and World War Two. She was also the first ship retired by the Navy for a memorial or museum function.

The USS Texas, or Battleship Texas as many call her, made the slow journey in order to receive necessary repairs and renovations. Alongside the US Coast Guard. the HCSO Marine Unit proudly escorted the USS Texas the entire way.

Great job to our Marine Unit and other supporting units who were there to take part in such a historic day.

Hispanic Heritage Month

We had a great time at #HispanicHeritageMonth Fiesta Mexicana event at the ION District.

Members from our Project Guardian/Lifesaver program along with UNIDOS were there to connect and educate community members on available resources.

For info on more of our programs, visit www.harriscountycit.org.

Later in the month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and other teammates participated in Aldine ISD’s Hispanic Heritage Month School Program giving us a chance to connect with many students and youth in our community.

You’ve Been Promoted!

Congratulations to all our teammates who promoted this summer!

HCSO is a big operation, and everyone has an important role. This makes promotion season is a great time for new learning and new opportunities.

Air Force Birthday Celebration

Our Military Liaison hosted a birthday celebration for the United States Air Force in September with help from our Academy staff, Air Operations Section and community members.

HCSO Major Whitaker, Air Force Veteran himself, renewed our partnership with ESGR ensuring continued support from HCSO to our teammates currently serving in the Guard and Reserve Service.

Taco – With – A – Cop

The HCSO UNIDOS team hosted a food truck gathering to engage with the community, provide them with crime prevention tips and to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Thank you to all who came out to share resourceful information and to all the amazing food trucks who participated!

We are very grateful that BakerRipley opened their doors for this event!

Citizen’s Police Academy

Every year, the Sheriff’s Office hosts a Citizens’ Police Academy for residents to learn about the inner workings of our agency. This is the first year we have hosted a class for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

After five weeks of training, our students are ready to celebrate their graduation. The academy featured high-quality, interactive courses led by divisions across our agency. The curriculum covered several relevant topics: patrol and traffic enforcement, 911 and non-emergency communication, homicide investigations, cybercrime safety, mental health and wellness, animal education and laws, jail procedures, and internal affairs investigations.

In the Community

Earlier this summer, a local citizen was lost in a wooded area after becoming disoriented.

Her beloved dog Max, stayed by her side without food or water nor was he leashed.

After three days, he was able to alert first responders to their location and was rescued.

Today, Max and his owner are recovered and doing well.

Members of the community and our K9 Unit gathered to honor Max as the first ever Honorary HCSO K9.

Welcome to the HCSO Family K9 Max!