In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, we want to extend our heartfelt support to everyone affected by this devastating storm. During these challenging times, it’s crucial to know that help is available for those who suffered from uninsured damage or losses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides various forms of assistance to help individuals and families recover and rebuild.
What Assistance is Available?
Serious Needs Assistance: A one-time $750 payment per household to help pay for essential items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
Displacement Assistance: Money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing.
Call FEMA: Contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) for assistance with your application. Multilingual operators are available to assist you.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center: Find a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where you can speak with FEMA representatives in person. Locations can be found on FEMA’s website or by calling the helpline.
Download the FEMA App. Use the app to apply for aid, check your application status, and find Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) nearby.
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When applying for FEMA aid, be prepared to provide the following information:
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security number or the Social Security number of someone who lives in your home
A current phone number where you can be contacted
A general list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
Our community is resilient, and by coming together, we can overcome the challenges posed by the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. We encourage everyone who has been impacted to apply for FEMA aid and take advantage of the available resources.
As we approach the Fourth of July, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish you a safe and joyous Independence Day. This holiday is a time to celebrate our nation’s history and enjoy festivities with family and friends.
To ensure a secure environment for everyone, we have several important reminders for the community.
Follow Local Laws: Only use fireworks that are legal in your area. Many municipalities have restrictions or bans on fireworks.
Adult Supervision: Ensure that fireworks are used under close adult supervision.
Use Outdoors Only: Never use fireworks indoors. They should be used in a clear, open area away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials.
Keep Water Handy: Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire or other mishaps.
Light One at a Time: Light fireworks one at a time and move back quickly.
Never Relight Duds: If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in water.
Proper Disposal: After fireworks complete their burning, douse them with water before throwing them away to prevent a trash fire.
We recommend attending one of the many professional fireworks shows and events being held across Harris County. These events are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined the Houston Police Department and other public agencies for a 4th July DWI initiative. We will increase patrols across the county during the holiday. Deputies will be on the lookout for any illegal activities, including the unlawful use of fireworks, impaired driving, and celebratory gunfire. Please report suspicious activities to our non-emergency line at 713-221-6000. In case of emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!
HCSO Supports Unity
June is recognized globally as Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor their history, and advocate for equal rights. June was particularly significant as it commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We promote diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance within our ranks and countywide. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our policies, community outreach programs, and daily interactions with the public.
This year’s Pride Parade, which took place on June 29, was a vibrant and joyous celebration of love, diversity, and equality. Thousands of participants, including many from the Sheriff’s Office, marched through the streets of Houston, showcasing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez showed his support, passing out goodies and taking pictures with community members. Our deputies were on hand to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, working seamlessly with event organizers and volunteers.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents and employees. We continue to work towards creating policies that promote equality and protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Our efforts include providing ongoing training for our deputies on LGBTQ+ issues, sensitivity, and inclusivity, partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations to support community programs and initiatives, and establishing support networks within the Sheriff’s Office to ensure LGBTQ+ employees feel valued and respected.
Thank you to all who participated in and supported the Pride Parade. Your efforts and enthusiasm make Harris County a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over three point four billion dollars in losses last year.
And there’s no sign of these scammers slowing down anytime soon. Elderly abuse unit investigator with Harris County Sherriff’s office joins the factor to talk about how to protect your family.
KATY, Texas – Just as the sun was rising in the sky Saturday morning, a baby was born. Before lunch, a man dumped the baby on a walking trail near a bayou in Harris County.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the baby was found wrapped in a towel around 9 a.m. at the end of a cul-de-sac on Casa Martin Drive.
Harris County commissioners at their June 25 meeting approved allocating $1.27 million in public safety bond funding for seven projects within the Harris County Sheriff’s and Fire Marshal’s offices.
Funding will go toward projects that include a training facility where first responders can train in flood and swift water rescue operations.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office teammates proudly joined The Bull to support our troops by sending heartfelt thank-you cards this Independence Day.
Assistant Chief of Detentions Command Phillip Bosquez joined the Bull Houston live! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our troops for all you do. Your bravery and dedication are appreciated beyond words. Thank you for your service!
Join the HCSO Recruitment Team at the Vetconnect Career Day, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 18, 2024, at East End Maker Hub, 6501 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77011.
This is a free event, and over 100 vendors will attend. You can connect with a wide range of Veteran Service Organizations and Employers. Free headshots will be available. Click HERE to register.
To learn more about our career opportunities, visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Last week, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Pasadena Police Department, and Harris County Precinct 8 Constable’s Office conducted an active attack scenario.
Thanks to all the participants! These exercises are necessary so that first responders can promptly implement a unified command in an emergency. HCSO’s priority is to save lives and ensure the safety of our community.
HCSO Community Engagement had the privilege of honoring the Yong-In Tae Kwon Do family in Cypress for their incredible acts of heroism. They exemplified courage and selflessness during a moment of crisis. They bravely intervened to save a young lady from a dangerous assault, embodying the true spirit of community and compassion.
We presented them with a certificate of appreciation to express our deepest gratitude for their bravery and quick thinking. Let’s celebrate these real-life superheroes among us!
Congratulations to our 43 new detention officers on their graduation! Your hard work and dedication to serving and protecting are genuinely commendable. We are incredibly proud of your achievements!
If you know anyone seeking a fulfilling career, please refer them to our website, HCSOJobs.com, or our phone number 713-877-5250.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed: Sign Up for Smart911 Today! Smart911 allows you to create a Safety Profile for your household, providing vital information that 911 operators and first responders can access during emergencies.
Motorcycle riders and a memorial trailer arrived at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy parking lot on Thursday to pay tribute to our fallen peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023. We honored our HCSO fallen heroes: Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez, Deputy Darren Almendarez, and Deputy Robert Adam Howard.
The Call of Duty is a nonprofit organization founded by a former deputy sheriff to support the families and communities of fallen first responders. As part of its End of Watch Ride to Remember campaign, they travel miles nationwide, visiting departments where law enforcement personnel died in the line of duty.
Gone But Not Forgotten
On January 24, 2022, Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez passed away after a fatal collision while directing traffic. He began his law enforcement career twenty years ago as a detention officer. He spent the last 13 years in our Vehicular Crimes Division. Gone but never forgotten.
On March 31, 2022, Deputy Darren Almendarez was killed when he interrupted three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle. He was a 23-year department veteran and worked as an Auto Theft Task Force Investigator. Gone but never forgotten.
On May 11, 2022, Deputy Robert Adam Howard passed away after a fatal collision. He was a loving husband and a caring father to his two children. He was an investigator in the Violent Gang Unit and joined our agency on August 19, 2019. Gone but never forgotten.
For 73 days, two riders will lead a memorial trailer covered in photos of peace officers who died while serving their communities. The journey is a solemn reminder that behind each picture displayed on the trailer — and each stop — are family members, teammates, and a community. They were husbands and wives, sons and daughters, partners and public servants, mothers and fathers, and brothers and sisters.
We’re grateful to the End of Watch Ride to Remember campaign coordinators for their strong commitment to honoring each of those lives on the memorial trailer. This gives our deputies and teammates another chance to reflect on their legacy.
Safety First: Addressing Gun Violence and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
Gun Violence Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the impact of gun violence in our communities and reaffirm our commitment to safety and prevention. Firearms-related incidents are a pressing issue, affecting families and neighborhoods nationwide. Because of this, we are taking necessary steps to address this challenge at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Keeping the community well-informed helps prevent accidental shootings and ensures a safer environment for everyone. We believe that building solid relationships with the communities we serve is essential in addressing gun-related incidents. By fostering trust and open communication, we can identify and address the root causes of these incidents.
Tips to Prevent Accidental Gun Violence:
Always Treat Guns as Loaded.
Never assume a firearm is unloaded; always handle it with care.
Proper Gun Storage.
Store firearms unloaded in a locked safe or gun cabinet, and use gun locks as an additional safety measure. Keep ammunition stored separately from firearms in a secure and locked location.
Keep Guns Out of Children’s Reach.
Educate children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of not touching them. Ensure firearms are stored in a place that is inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons. Use trigger locks and other safety devices to prevent unauthorized use of weapons, and consider using biometric safes that can only be opened by the owner’s fingerprint.
Educate Family Members on Gun Safety: Conduct regular training sessions with all family members. Teach everyone in the household the basic rules of gun safety, including never pointing a gun at anyone and keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Familiarize Yourself with Gun Laws: Comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding firearm ownership and storage.
We encourage all residents to take an active role in promoting safety and preventing violence. This includes violence against the LGBTQ+ community, as June is also Pride Month. These attacks are often worsened by hate and prejudice. According to national statistics, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women of color, face disproportionately high rates of violence, including gun violence. This highlights the urgent need for targeted safety measures and community support.
Whether participating in local events, advocating for responsible gun ownership, or supporting community-based initiatives, everyone has a part to play in making Harris County safer. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where gun violence is no longer a threat to our communities.
HCSO Honors and Celebrates Freedom Day
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates a significant moment in American history. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially outlawed slavery in the Confederate states. Since then, the day has become a time to honor African American heritage and celebrate freedom.
This year, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly participated in the Juneteenth parade, joining the community in celebrating this important day. Communities across the nation celebrate Juneteenth with parades and family gatherings. It is a day to recognize African Americans’ resilience and achievements and to acknowledge the importance of continuing the fight against racial injustice.
At HCSO, we are committed to supporting and recognizing the rich cultural history and achievements of African Americans in Harris County.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A family of taekwondo instructors were able to save a woman from an attack in the Cypress area on Tuesday, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said instructors from Yong-In Tae Kwon Do sprung into action when they heard some commotion going on next door.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the tablets could help limit the amount of contraband brought into the jail.
Harris County jail testing tablets to connect inmates with family, friends. Currently, two jail facilities have access to tablets to connect with loved ones, a free law library, and educational programs.
Congratulations to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez for receiving the PRSA Houston CEO Communicator of the Year Award! Chief Tommy Diaz accepted the award on the Sheriff’s behalf.
Communication is essential to law enforcement. It helps connect the community with those dedicated to serving and protecting.
At HCSO, we are committed to keeping our community informed, engaged, and connected. Sheriff is honored to serve one of the nation’s most diverse communities, Harris County.
“Ensuring everyone receives timely and accurate information is essential to our mission,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “This award is a testament to my team’s dedication and hard work. To my team, I appreciate your dedication and consistent efforts to ensure our message is impactful and clear.”
Together, we will continue to make Harris County a place where every voice is heard and every person feels safe.
HCSO Teammate 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.
“On May 26, 2024, my family, our church, and I celebrated Memorial Day at Bay Area Park. While at the park, we saw Deputy Hubbard working park patrol, making several rounds to check on residents and ensure there were no issues. Deputy Hubbard stopped by to engage us in conversation, asking how things were and the occasion. This simple act of kindness shows the type of individual Deputy Hubbard is and displays excellent character, which should not go unnoticed. Deputy Hubbard went out in 95-degree heat to engage with some residents in conversation. He patrols the park, ensures safety, and enforces laws. Special thanks to Deputy Hubbard for going above and beyond what his duties were that day.”
Deputy Hubbard has been with our agency for 27 years. He began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a detention officer and became a deputy in 1998. Currently, he is assigned to Traffic Enforcement in West Harris County’s District 4.
Congratulations to HCSO Jail Women’s Empowerment Center (WEC) for winning the 2024 National Association of Counties Achievement Award! We are grateful for our teammates and partners! The WEC symbolizes hope, resilience, and transformation for countless women in our care. Congratulations!
Under the guidance of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, HCSO opened the Women’s Empowerment Center on February 15, 2023. WEC houses qualifying female incarcerated residents full-time in a holistic approach to gender-specific programming. The center offers education, self-care, counseling, and job training to provide residents and their families with a better future.
Thanks to the work of our amazing K9 Dudley, a lost child was reunited with her family earlier today. Using items belonging to the child, such as pants and a hair band, K9 Dudley led deputies to the intersection of TC Jester and 1960. Deputies later learned that the child had boarded a bus at this intersection and traveled to another location, where she was found safely. Fantastic work, K9 Dudley!
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to raise awareness for the ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’ — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when teen traffic fatalities spike.
HCSO also discussed ongoing efforts to prevent street racing. Let’s make this summer safer together by driving safely and responsibly.
Registration for the 2024 National Night Out is now open! Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities on October 1, 2024, and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community.
If your neighborhood plans to participate and would like HCSO to attend, please register at https://tinyurl.com/nrnht3yp.
For further information or inquiries, please get in touch with the HCSO Community Engagement Division at community.engagementfiv@sheriff.hctx.net or 346-286-3125.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office was honored to join the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at their Law Enforcement Recognition luncheon. Thank you, MADD, for recognizing our officers’ dedication and commitment to protecting our roads by removing impaired drivers. Your support and acknowledgment inspire us to continue our mission for a safer community and to end impaired driving for all.
