Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Volunteering to Serve

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re saying thank you to the more than 200 volunteer reservists who work in all areas of our agency and give their time to make our communities safer.

Our Reserve Command is an integral part of our agency, and the significant contributions of these deputies are visible in nearly every bureau and unit, from patrol and criminal warrants to high tech crimes and crime scene investigations.

Our Reserve Command is the largest sheriff’s office reserve organization in Texas and the second largest in the nation. The Command has served as a model reserve program in policing across the state and country. It’s an effective way to diversify and expand our ranks without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

Reserve deputies are duly sworn, certified peace officers who receive the same extensive training and licensing as full-time deputies. They are members of our community who have a passion for public service and want to make a difference in the field of law enforcement. They represent various professions and backgrounds, including business owners, dentists, teachers, and physicians. Many deputies began their journey with the Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy.

Reserve deputies wear the same uniform and Pride of Texas patch, answer the same calls for service, and have the same duty and expectations as full-time deputies to always honor the badge they wear as a symbol of public faith and trust.

The responsibilities of a reserve deputy are rewarding, challenging, and diverse. Reserve deputies also support special operations and task forces, such as multi-agency DWI initiatives that combat impaired drivers on Harris County roadways.

We’re highlighting only a few of the many dedicated men and women who generously gift us their time, love for our community, and expertise every day as volunteer reservists.

Meet Investigator O’Leary, Missing Persons Unit

Investigator O’Leary focuses on cold cases, gathering critical information to locate the missing person, interviewing witnesses, identifying the circumstances of the disappearance, and initiating the collection of DNA samples from the missing person’s family members. Investigator O’Leary works with a number of area law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and Texas DPS.

O’Leary is the Emergency Alert Specialist at Texas Center for the Missing, a nonprofit dedicated to providing crisis intervention, prevention, and community education to the missing and their families. In this capacity, she issues Amber and Silver Alerts to the Houston-Galveston region and trains law enforcement personnel on how to issue missing person alerts. Before her role there, she was a stay-at-home mom and an office manager. She has 20 years of service as a reservist.

It’s a privilege to put this badge on every day and do what I do,” O’Leary said. “It’s amazing the opportunities we have as reservists. For me, staying in contact with the families of the missing, no matter how much time passes, lets them know someone still cares about finding their loved one.

Meet Reserve Sgt. Ramos, Criminal Warrants Unit

Arrest warrants are received regularly and assigned to our Criminal Warrants Unit for execution. Sgt. Ramos helps oversee the arrest warrant enforcement, researching the suspects and their offenses and briefing deputies on their assignments and safety goals.

Ramos, RRT/NPS, is the senior lead respiratory therapist at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and an instructor at San Jacinto College, where he teaches respiratory care in a clinical setting. Sgt. Ramos says he knew he made the right decision to become a reserve deputy when his youngest daughter was born in 2005. For him, serving others has always been a part of his life and this was another way to be an example for his daughter by giving back to the community. He has 16 years of service as a reservist.

We’re just regular people who love our community and what we do,” Ramos said. “It takes a special person to be in law enforcement, and a more special person to volunteer their time to do this job.

Meet Reserve Major Heuszel, Special Operations Division

Reserve Major Heuszel helps oversee the Special Operations Division, which is made up of the Criminal Warrants Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, Missing Persons Unit, Sex Offender Registration Task Force, and detention.

Dr. Heuszel is a practicing dentist in west Houston with more than 40 years of experience in dentistry. He was propelled to earn the badge in 1991 after wanting to learn more about neighborhood watch programs and ways to protect his neighborhood. He has since served in several reserve roles and divisions, including patrolling Harris County waterways in the Marine Division, as an instructor at the training academy, and as a mounted patrol deputy.

My reward for volunteering is knowing I am helping my community,” Heuszel said. “I hold my head high when I tell someone I am a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy. It’s a blessing and second family.

If you’re looking to maintain your career or retirement while also fulfilling your call to serve, learn more about our Reserve Command here. To our volunteer reservists, thank you for contributing in every capacity within the Sheriff’s Office. Every day, you make Harris County a safer place to live and work.

We Mourn the Passing of Deputy Alexander Gwosdz

We mourn the death of Deputy Alexander Gwosdz, who died Thursday from COVID-19 complications. Our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to his grieving family, loved ones, and colleagues.

Deputy Gwosdz, 32, was a 9-year agency veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the agency in 2012 as a detention officer. Since graduating from the Sheriff’s Office Basic Peace Officer Course in 2014, he has served as a patrol deputy in northwest Harris County.

Deputy Gwosdz’s father, Chris Gwosdz, retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2020 after 34 years of service.

He is the fourth Sheriff’s Office deputy, and the fifth employee agency-wide, to die after contracting the virus.

We are devastated and saddened by another loss of life and reminded again of the dangers of this terrible virus. Deputy Gwosdz loved his job. He had a servant’s heart. He came from a law enforcement family. His whole life was ahead of him.

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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Celebrating the First of the First Responders

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we celebrate the unsung heroes who are there for us when the unthinkable happens.

All week long, we say thank you to the first of the first responders, the calm voice navigating us through our most difficult moments by gathering essential information and determining the type of emergency service needed.

Our frontline communications personnel are the first voice you hear when you call our Emergency Dispatch Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They guide our deputies through critical situations around the clock and keep our county safe.

Our more than 160 dedicated call takers and dispatchers at our Emergency Dispatch Center are a critical part of our first responder community and form the vital link between callers in distress and our emergency response teams. On a typical day, they field 2,700 calls to 911 and 1,300 calls to our non-emergency line.

Our Incident Management Unit communications officers at Houston TranStar monitor Harris County freeways and dispatch Motor Assistance Program deputies for disabled vehicles and stranded motorists.

As our 911 dispatchers receive incoming calls, they prioritize them based on the nature of an emergency and help callers remain calm enough to provide the information first responders rely on to understand the full scope of an incident.

True Public Safety Heroes

They sit behind six glowing monitors that operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a computer aided dispatch, a multi-channel radio, telephone, maps, cameras, and other specialized monitoring systems.

During these trying times, we’re especially grateful for their service. In February, during the massive winter storm and power outage crisis, our dispatchers fielded calls matching Hurricane Harvey’s historic call volume.
It’s a job where every second counts. Through efficient call handling, our 911 dispatchers reduce response times and help save lives.
They go into work not knowing what the shift ahead of them is going to bring. What they do know is that the more information first responders have when they arrive on the scene, the quicker they can assess a situation and take appropriate action.

Texas NENA 2020 Silent Hero Award

Communications Officer Shamlin

Communications Officer Marsha Shamlin was recognized as a 2020 Silent Hero by Texas NENA, a membership organization dedicated to ensuring all residents have immediate access to 911 and emergency safety services.

“Being able to help my community behind-the-scenes through kindness and exceptional customer service is the most rewarding part of my job,” Shamlin said.

Shamlin is an agency veteran with nearly 17 years of service. In 2012, she received a commendation letter for her active listening skills and de-escalation techniques that prevented a possible suicide from happening.

Four other teammates were nominated for Texas NENA awards: Reyna Zamora, Cristina DeLaTorre, Roy Flores, and April Sanchez. Congratulations to all!

Training

Our call takers complete a comprehensive training program that includes courses on a range of topics and extensive on-the-job training. The initial training totals 400 hours and covers areas such as crisis communication, cultural diversity, ethics in law enforcement, and incident management.

Our new telecommunicator teammates also complete an 80-hour Texas Basic Telecommunicator Course in preparation for their licensing exam administered by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. To maintain their license, they receive 20 hours of annual training.

Our teammates are familiar with state laws and the area they are serving, including neighborhoods, highways, and thoroughfares. Many dispatch in the area where they grew up. Most importantly, they serve with compassion and understanding.

Our call takers are challenged greatly but stand strong to protect our communities. You can reach them any time at 713-221-6000. We’re grateful for their significant contributions, which are an inspiration and example to everyone in our ranks.

Celebrating Our Detention Teammates of the Quarter

Records Specialist Lastrape

Records Specialist Lastrapes joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2003. She performs a wide range of duties in the Central Records Division, contributing greatly to our intake and release process.

Records Specialist Lastrapes demonstrates a high level of initiative in executing assignments, a testament to her dedication to her work.

She is known as a go-to teammate, always willing to lend a hand to others, especially in challenging situations.

Detention Officer Castillo

Detention Officer Castillo joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2019. Her first assignment was the night watch at 1200 Justice Housing Bureau. She currently serves as a processing location coordinator at the Joint Processing Center.

In just a short amount of time, she has acquired a vast amount of knowledge on the intake process and developed close relationships with our partner agencies.

Her dedication to efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic supports our ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and safety of everyone inside the Harris County jail.

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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Joining Forces for Our Children

Earlier this week, we kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month at the steps of The Children’s Assessment Center with our most dedicated partners in the fight against child abuse in Harris County.

As a close-knit community of child advocates, we work as a team to protect our most vulnerable.

You are part of this team. We rely on our community to report abuse and keep our children safe when they see the signs of a child in need.

Blue and silver pinwheels outside The Children’s Assessment Center building were spinning in the wind, one for each of the 175 children who are victims of abuse in Texas every day.

Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, but they are often there if you know where to look. We are asking every adult in our community to help. Take actionable steps to create safer environments for the children in your life:

  • If you see something, say something. Reporting suspicions of child abuse can save a life, prevent further victimization, or stop more children from being victimized.
  • Learn how to recognize and report child abuse. Education and training are our best defense against those who harm children.
  • Talk to your children. Start the conversation early and continue the discussion throughout their upbringing.
  • Spread the message. Tell your neighbors and loved ones how they, too, can do their part to keep our children safe in a real and virtual world.

Our partners at The CAC offer free training and resources on the signs and symptoms of child abuse and share stories of survivors throughout the year. In April, they’re hosting additional training and virtual workshops on child abuse awareness and prevention. For more information on what’s in store and how to get involved, click here.

As first responders, we work tirelessly to investigate allegations of child abuse. We also work hard to identify and combat human trafficking cases, especially those involving a juvenile.

There aren’t many jobs in our agency that are tougher than being a child abuse investigator. These incidents are horrific, heartbreaking cases of abuse and neglect involving an innocent and defenseless child.

But it’s an important calling that offers the chance to make a difference in the lives of our community’s great asset: our children.

Our investigators’ role in child abuse cases spans the entire case from the initial call, through the investigation, and to the court proceedings. Our Crimes Against Children Unit stays involved in the investigation as the victim and their family receive the proper treatment, services, and support from advocacy centers to start their healing process. It’s a coordinated response from the start.

Sadly, in 2020, nearly 4,000 children received services at The CAC. These experts provide high-quality care so children can thrive. Their work embodies the sentiment: “No future should be out of reach.”

And while the work of our specialized unit is always essential, it is especially critical during a crisis. The disruption brought on by the pandemic made our children even more vulnerable to abuse. Some of those traditional safety nets have been removed with children not regularly attending schools, daycares, and after-school programs.

With violent crime on the rise over the past year, Harris County is investing in overtime pay meant to help our investigators target violent criminals in several key areas, including tackling child abuse investigations.

We have a shared responsibility and shared commitment to ensure every child lives a life free from abuse. Prevention through education is key.

If you’re concerned about a child in your life, call us at 713-221-6000. If you want to remain anonymous, report tips to Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

We are grateful for the opportunity to stand together with the many partners in our region who work to end child abuse for all.

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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Celebrating Our Differences

During the month of April, hundreds of our sworn personnel will proudly wear a commemorative blue badge on their uniform that prominently features the autism awareness puzzle piece to bring attention to Autism Spectrum Disorder and to support those living with it.

We are in our communities across Harris County every day, and this is a small way to send a big message: We’re here to serve all residents with compassion and understanding.

The distinctive light blue badge with the puzzle piece emblem and engraved words “Help Create a Kinder World” reinforces our promise to do all we can to improve our interactions with residents, including those with a developmental disability or those experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis. It serves as a reminder to residents of what we can accomplish together.

This is the first year of the Blue Badges for Autism Awareness program and the Sheriff’s Office ordered 734 commemorative badges, more than any other law enforcement agency in the nation!

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 54 children has autism. Just this year, deputies responded to more than 1,370 calls for service with a mental health component. Many of those calls involved a person with autism.

Last fall, we launched a new initiative called Project Guardian to help our deputies minimize stress by alerting them in advance that they’re about to interact with a person on the autism spectrum.

The initiative is one of many innovative mental health and outreach programs supporting our patrol deputies and making our neighborhoods better places to live.

A simple interaction with law enforcement could be a traumatic situation for a person with autism. Project Guardian encourages families or caregivers to provide a photo of their loved one and their interests or characteristics, such as whether the person is sensitive to loud noises or finds bright lights upsetting.

The online registry is free and equips deputies with critical information on a person’s special needs and proven calming methods. Families are also given a Project Guardian decal to display on a front window to quickly alert deputies someone is enrolled in the program.

Project Guardian and Project Lifesaver Coordinator Deputy Schubert

For Deputy Schubert, the most rewarding part of her job is speaking with and meeting families. “They all express how grateful they are that we truly care about their loved ones’ well-being,” she said. “Family members share their realistic fears of their child being misunderstood for their actions. A mother once told me, ‘I want people to know that there is more of my son than what meets the eye.’”

Since its launch, we’ve enrolled over 100 participants in the program. Our team follows up on incident reports mentioning autism, informing families of the potential for Project Guardian to be life-changing.

We’ve also helped our friends at Katy Police Department roll out Project Guardian to help individuals with autism in their area. Our Behavioral Health Training Unit shared their experiences and recommendations on how to design a program that is right for their community. We’re talking to other area law enforcement agencies about implementation.

We can’t do this alone. We work closely with advocacy groups, nonprofits, and mental health care centers, such as The Harris Center, NAMI Greater Houston, The Menninger Clinic, Autism Speaks, and Autism Moms of Houston. We’re always learning more about how persons with autism may react or shut down and continue to build on our crucial crisis intervention and de-escalation training.

We encourage you to come together to create a more inclusive community that celebrates our differences.

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