Author: HCMUD 150

On Monday, I joined Assistant Chief Tim Navarre in welcoming new academy classes on their first day, addressing them as they each began their new journey. Our Basic Peace Officers Course class is the largest our agency has had in recent memory, with 77 cadets. We also started a class for 33 lateral cadets with prior law enforcement experience. Please join me in wishing them well as they answer the call to undertake a path of law enforcement.

Many of these men and women pursued this profession for a noble reason, and we thanked them for their service and sacrifice as their training begins during a critical time. As they prepare for the road ahead, it serves as a reminder that we have an opportunity to show our communities what it means to be a peace officer. One of our core values – merit and maintain the public’s trust – happens through the daily efforts of our deputies, detention officers, and staff. It’s a tremendous responsibility and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the way.

Over the next several weeks and months, cadets will receive multifaceted training on becoming capable and excellent members of the peace officer community. This will prepare them to be the best, to work hard, and to demonstrate great integrity in the execution of their duties. Harris County residents deserve no less.

As we continue to place a priority on developing innovative strategies and collaborative community partnerships, new academy classes are the future and help build our capacity to keep our unwavering promise to serve and protect all. The detention officers and deputies who serve Harris County are a credit to the profession, this agency, and our community, and we wish them well on their journey.

Stress Awareness During a Pandemic

Dr. Robert Seals, our licensed clinical psychologist and Behavioral Health Unit Director, is sharing tips and resources to help manage and reduce stress during this unprecedented time.

Stress and pressure can sometimes take a negative toll on our emotional and behavioral well-being.

Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine:

• Stick to a routine
• Be active for at least 30 minutes per day
• Reach out to your friends and family
• Stay hydrated and eat well
• Limit social media use
• Notice the good in the world
• Help others, if you can. Reach out for help, if you need it.
• Remind yourself daily that this is temporary

Fear and anxiety about the coronavirus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress from the CDC here.

Stay Vigilant

Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors. Please continue to monitor CDC recommendations, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a face covering in public spaces. Harris County Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of free testing in their areas. Click here to schedule a test or call 832-927-7575.

HCSO Behavioral Threat Management Unit

As many families continue to stay home to protect themselves and contain the spread of COVID-19, domestic violence victims are finding their homes to be a dangerous place. Our Behavioral Threat Management Unit (BTMU) focuses on proactive strategies that can potentially prevent acts of violence by stalkers and others who exhibit behaviors that often lead to violence. Meet the BTMU team and learn more here.

Safe Driving Tips

Texas is seeing a rise in speed-related road deaths during the pandemic. Our Vehicular Crimes Unit responded to a major two-vehicle accident this week. Two children tragically lost their lives as a result of the crash.

Be safe and drive smart with tips from the Texas Department of Transportation:

• Always buckle up
• Practice patience and share the road with others
• Drive a safe speed for traffic, weather and road conditions
• Put your phone away and focus on driving
• Use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Even with heightened levels of concern due to the pandemic, try to maximize value out of every day. Remember, small things can make a difference. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Fourth of July brings thoughts of a family get-together and celebrating our great nation. As we take in this year’s Independence Day festivities at home, they may feel and look different, but it’s still a time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday. For many, it represents the birth of our nation, equality, democracy, and community. It is a picture of who we are and what we strive to become.

As issues of systemic racial and economic inequality remain at the forefront, we understand that some of our neighbors may be struggling to make sense of what the Fourth of July means to them. We are in this together. We must build momentum toward a more effective, equitable, and thoughtful approach to law enforcement, and continue conversations on systemic issues as a community.

Safety First

As we begin to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day, I want to remind all of our residents to celebrate responsibly.

You can do your part by remembering the following:

1. Help Stop the Spread: As the Fourth of July meets the current surge of COVID-19 cases in our region, the place you are safest is at home. As you gear up to celebrate the holiday this weekend with your household and venture out to pick up groceries or supplies yourself, make sure you practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently.
2. Don’t Drink and Drive: Drink responsibly and use designated drivers or ridesharing services. Report drunk drivers to law enforcement officials immediately.
3. Celebratory Gunfire is Dangerous: It’s illegal and dangerous, and what goes up, must come down. Don’t risk injuring someone, killing someone, or damaging property.
4. Remember Pets: Please consider bringing your pets indoors, as many pets are frightened of fireworks and may try to escape your yard to run from all the noise.
5. Practice Water Safety: Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in young children. You can significantly reduce this risk by following a few tips from the Judah Brown Project, which is led by HCSO Reserve Deputy Mark Brown:
   • Learn to Swim: Swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning, but constant, careful supervision is still important.
   • Supervise: Designate a responsible adult to watch young children playing in or around water.
   • Learn CPR: In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
   • Buddy System: Always swim with a buddy, and select a swimming site that has lifeguards when possible.

Help Stop the Spread

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Harris County at an alarming rate, we need to remain vigilant and protect ourselves and loved ones. Getting past this pandemic is a shared responsibility, and I’d encourage you to celebrate responsibly by staying home, wearing face masks when venturing out in public, and practicing social distancing.

Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for the virus. Click here for more information about free testing. Please remember if you need help or advice dealing with the pandemic, visit readyharris.org or call 211. There are programs in place to assist with basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

The Harris County Commissioners Court extended its disaster declaration through August 26, extending the mandatory mask order. The mask order mandates that businesses require patrons to cover their faces.

We all must have a heightened sense of awareness. The safety of our communities is a collaborative effort between our communities and law enforcement agencies. We are encouraging everyone to celebrate safely and to report anything out of the ordinary to law enforcement.

I’m optimistic this month will bring new opportunities for all of us. Let’s continue to work together and stay strong. Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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Please join me in congratulating and welcoming 47 new deputies to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. After six months of tireless dedication in our Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) training, their hard work, and sacrifice are paying off. Class B2-2019 celebrated their graduation last Tuesday, and earlier this year they had a badge pinning ceremony.

Today, we also welcome 21 new sworn-in detention officers who have worked hard and completed the Basic County Corrections Course (BCCC) at our academy. The new teammates are eager to serve their community. I wish them the best as they start their next chapter in their careers, and hope their journeys are fulfilling and safe. I’m extremely proud of all our new teammates, and welcome them to the HCSO family!

My teammates responded to some tragic fatal crashes last weekend. On Sunday, a cyclist was struck and killed by a Dodge pickup truck who failed to stop and render aid. It’s heartbreaking to see a lifeless body and know that the driver responsible fled the scene. If you have any information please contact 713-221-6000.

Traffic deaths involving pedestrians/cyclists are far too frequent in our region. We as a community share a responsibility to avoid these tragedies. Avoid speeding and distractions while driving, do not drink and drive, and stay safe by always crossing the street at designated crosswalks. Let’s work together and do our best to avoid tragic accidents that can be prevented.

Staying alert

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb across the state, we need to stay vigilant and protect ourselves. Getting past this virus is a shared responsibility, please stay home if at all possible, wear face masks, and practice social distancing.

Please stay home if you are sick. If you want to get tested click here or call 832-927-7575. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is seeking residents who had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and are now fully recovered, with no symptoms for at least 28 days to help others in their recovery. Click here to learn more and see if you meet the qualifications to donate.

If you need assistance dealing with the virus please visit readyharris.org. There are programs to help with basic needs including housing, food, and healthcare. Dial 211 for more information.

Let’s end the week on a high note and give our K9 Unit a follow on social media! They are an integral part of our agency and they help keep you safe. Click on the video below to learn more about our K9 Unit. Click here to follow them on Twitter and here for Instagram and have a pawsome weekend!

To all of our readers, thank you for pausing every week to read our newsletter. I appreciate all of your support for our agency as we continue to serve and protect you and your families. Please remember that we are stronger together. Stay safe and stay strong. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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It is with deep regret that this week we said goodbye to two team members, Deputy Juan Menchaca Jr., 70, and Detention Officer Joel Garcia. D.O. Garcia, 49, passed away after a long battle with an illness. He was a Katy High School graduate and served our country in the U.S. Air Force. He later served with us for 17 years.

Our brother and teammate, Deputy Juan Menchaca, died on Saturday after a courageous battle against COVID-19. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, and seven adult children. He is the second Sheriff’s Office employee to die after contracting coronavirus. Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski died of the virus on May 6.

Deputy Menchaca began his law enforcement career at Nacogdoches Police Department. He joined our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family back in 2006 and was most recently assigned to the courts’ division. He was a beloved member of our agency, and he will be terribly missed by all of us who had the honor of knowing him.

Deputy Menchaca was born to protect and serve. He received an accommodation in June 2019 for helping save a toddler. On November 13, 2018, he observed Deputy Neomi Roberts administering aid to a 2-year-old boy and responded to assist. Due to the quick actions of Deputy Roberts and Deputy Menchaca they were able to free the obstruction that was blocking the child’s airway. The child was able to breathe again before losing consciousness.

He was looking forward to retiring and spending quiet time in the country. Deputy Menchaca had a special way of putting people at ease. He listened. He showed genuine compassion to everyone he encountered. He loved his community, and his community loved him back.

Please continue to pray for the families of Deputy Menchaca, and Detention Officer Joel Garcia, during this tremendously sad and difficult time. Donations for Deputy Juan Mencheca’s family and Detention Officer Joel Garcia’s family may be made in their names to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Benevolence Association.

We will miss them and forever keep them and their families in our hearts. Your brothers and sisters in blue have the watch from here.

We are here to help you

Earlier this week our deputies responded to the 6600 block of Rosebrook after they were informed by a witness of a 17-year-old male found hanging from a tree in the playground area. I personally went to this scene. While this is an apparent suicide, our investigators launched a full investigation from the get-go. An autopsy is pending. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

We need to continue to raise awareness about suicide prevention. This year alone, our Crime Scene Investigators have responded to 76 suicides, 26 of them by hanging.

If you are thinking of harming yourself, please seek help. Your life matters. Please dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD at 833-251-7544. You can also call 713-221-6000 or 911 if it’s an emergency. Please remember that you are not alone, we are here for you.

Stay safe

Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, and it’s going to be a hot couple of months! That’s why we created a vehicle reminder to help you check your backseat if you have children or pets. Click here to download the flyer, print it, and have a safe and happy summer!

With the rise of COVID-19 cases in the last couple of days, we should keep doing everything in our power to stop the spread. Getting past this virus is a shared responsibility. Practice social distancing whenever you can, wash your hands, cover your face with a mask, and help us flatten the curve.

The Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for the virus. Click here for more information about free testing. Please remember if you need help or advice dealing with the pandemic, visit readyharris.org. If you don’t have internet access please call 211. There are programs in place to assist with basic needs including housing, food, and healthcare.

I wish everyone a safe and fun Father’s Day weekend! To all the dads out there, may your day be filled with happiness. To all of our residents, I appreciate all of your support for our agency as we continue to serve and protect you and your families. Let’s continue to work together and stay strong. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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