Author: HCMUD 150

Our hearts are heavy because we’ve lost our friend and teammate, Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski, who died May 6 after falling ill from COVID-19. He was 70-years-old and a 39-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife, Rynda Scholwinski, and four adult children. He was laid to rest on Thursday with his loving family and friends in attendance.

Raymond’s character and dedication to the community were astonishing. He served 14 years as a volunteer deputy in the Sheriff’s Office Reserves. In 1993, he accepted a full-time entry-level position as a detention officer. From there, he worked his way to patrol where he served with dignity and distinction until his final days. Most recently, Raymond served as a deputy in District two. He was made for the job. He showed genuine compassion to everyone he encountered.

Please continue to pray for his family and loved ones during this tremendously sad and difficult time. Donations for Sgt. Scholwinski’s family may be made in his name to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Benevolence Association, or through this GoFundMe Charity page.

Raymond was a great teammate, an incredible family man, and a wonderful person. We will miss him and forever keep him and his family in our hearts. Your brothers and sisters in blue have the watch from here.

As we celebrate National Police Week, I want to acknowledge and thank those currently protecting our communities. We value service, sacrifices, and dedication. Today we also celebrate Peace Officers Memorial Day, and should all take a moment to remember and honor those courageous men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.

In memory of our fallen heroes, our Honor Guard organized a virtual Memorial Service. Click here to watch the service and here to learn more about our fallen heroes. Let us never forget their sacrifice and live in a way that brings honor to our fallen heroes.

Stay Safe

As we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to thank our residents for your hopeful spirit as we move forward. 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.

The Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19 if you feel you have it or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Click here for more information about the free testing.

Lately, my team has seen far too many car accidents. We implore you to please use your seat belt and car seats. Before you start your vehicle, make sure everyone in the car is buckled up and your children are in their car seats. Inspect your child’s car seat to make sure it’s properly installed. SAFE KIDS Greater Houston is offering a virtual car seat check. Call 832-822-2277 or click here for more information. Check out some safety tips from Sgt. Cabrera and please buckle up, and secure your children in the correct car seat.

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. 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 say goodbye to our brother and teammate, Sergeant Raymond Scholwinski. He passed away Wednesday after a courageous battle against coronavirus. Sgt. Scholwinski began his service with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1979 and then went on to serve as a full-time officer for 26 years. His most recent assignment was as the day watch Contract Sergeant in District 2.

Sgt. Scholwinski represented the best of our HCSO family. Whether he was on patrol, making a neighborhood association presentation, or in the field during hurricanes, tropical storms, and other disasters, Ray consistently delivered for our residents.

With heavy hearts this morning Sgt. Scholwinski was escorted from Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands to a funeral home in Houston. Click here to see the procession. Please keep Sgt. Scholwinski’s family in your prayers during this tremendously sad and difficult time.

Funeral services for Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski have been set for Thursday, May 14 at First Assembly of God in Humble. A public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with social distancing enforced. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Admission into the sanctuary will be strictly limited to ensure proper social distancing. Additional details will be forthcoming next week. May he rest in peace. E.O.W. 05/06/2020.

Today, we welcome 47 new deputies to our family. After 6 months of Basic Peace Officer Course (B.P.O.C.) training, their hard work, and sacrifice are paying off. Class B2-2019 had a badge pinning ceremony where they were sworn-in as deputies. The graduation is scheduled for June 23 at 6 p.m. at the First Humble Assembly Church. Let’s congratulate them and wish them the best as they start their next chapter in their careers. Click here to watch the badge pinning ceremony.

Our men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office swore an oath to protect the residents of this county. We carry out this mission no matter the circumstances. This week I want to honor and thank our detention staff, and our medical personnel as we celebrate National Correctional Officers and Employees Week and National Nurses Week. A week when we celebrate the heroes that work tirelessly to keep our Harris County Jail going during these difficult times. Your work is appreciated, and it does not go unnoticed. I’m incredibly proud to work with a team of devoted and dedicated public servants. You’re the everyday heroes!

Stay Safe

Now more than ever, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still an invisible enemy that we need to keep fighting. We all play an important role to stop the spread. Keep following the recommendations to protect yourself against the virus. If you want to get tested click here or call 832-927-7575 to schedule an appointment.

The time to prepare is now! This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and we should all make sure we are ready. Hurricane season begins in June and runs until November. The National Weather Service recommends making a plan, building an emergency kit, getting an insurance checkup, and preparing our homes. Click here for more tips and information.

It is only together that we will emerge from this tough time. We must remain strong and hopeful. I want to thank all of you for your continued support of our agency. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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As we welcome a new month, we should be grateful for all of our blessings and keep moving forward. The battle against coronavirus continues and we should keep doing everything in our power to stop the spread.

National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, and I want to ensure everyone practices proper water safety at all times. This week my teammates responded to two different scenes where two children — a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old — drowned because they were left unattended.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4. Please help us do everything to prevent these tragedies. You can significantly reduce the risk by following a few tips, click here to watch a water safety video I filmed last year. You can also try to prevent these types of tragedies by following some tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted.
• Empty all tubs, buckets, and kiddie pools immediately after use.
• Close toilet lids and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning.
• Install fences around home pools.
• Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a life.

Help Stop the Spread

Starting today some businesses — including retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls — begin partial reopening in phase one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas. Now more than ever we need to continue our fight against the virus.

While some of you might be going back to work, there are simple things you can still do to keep yourself, colleagues and family protected: Make sure your workplace is clean; Stay 6 feet away from others; Wash your hands frequently, and use a face covering.

Please stay home if you are sick. If you want to get tested click here or call 832-927-7575. The Texas Division of Emergency created an interactive map where you can find your nearest testing locations, click here for more information.

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.

COVID-19 Report

The number of Harris County Sheriff’s Office employees diagnosed with coronavirus has reached 238, including 211 who work in the jail. There are currently 402 deputies, detention officers, and support staff on quarantine. As of Friday, 289 previously quarantined employees have returned to duty, including 70 who had tested positive for the virus. Thirteen Sheriff’s Office employees are currently hospitalized because of the virus.

A recent expansion of testing – which now includes inmates who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but are believed to have been exposed to the virus – has helped identify 411 infected inmates. This number includes 92 inmates who previously tested positive for coronavirus and have now recovered and 145 inmates who tested positive but have no symptoms.

You Are Not Alone

This month we also celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. One of my priorities is caring for those suffering from a mental health issue. For more information about our mental health programs please visit http://www.harriscountycit.org/. Click here to read our 2019 Annual Report. Please remember, if you are in a mental health crisis, know that you’re not alone, help is always available. Call 911 or 713-221-6000.

Here are some tips from the World Health Organization for coping with stress during the pandemic:

• It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.
• If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle – including proper diet, sleep, and exercise.
• Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone.
• Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life’s adversities.

As we work to free ourselves from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to thank our residents for the sacrifices and commitment to help flatten the curve. I’m optimistic this month will bring new opportunities for all of us. 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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