Author: HCMUD 150

Newsletter #165 – Summer Wrap Up

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

The Battleship Texas, the 1910 vessel that took part in both World War I and II, was towed from the San Jacinto Battleground to Galveston for its new home. Our maritime tactical operation section providing security escort.

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!

A Brand New Day for Texas Outdoor Dogs – Texas Humane Network

On October 25, 2021, after the most contentious Texas legislative session in memory, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was signed into law. THLN never wavered during the six-year quest to pass this legislation, even when it was targeted by an extremist lawmaker and unexpectedly vetoed.

Texas dogs and the communities where they reside deserve a common-sense, balanced policy governing the restraint of dogs outdoors. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which goes into effect January 18, 2022, achieves that by:

  • Defining adequate shelter to protect dogs from extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and standing water. Previously, there was no definition for shelter, thus tethered dogs routinely perished from exposure.
  • Requiring access to drinkable water. Before the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, state law did not include this vital requirement.
  • Requiring safe restraints. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act strikes the use of chains. Other means of restraint, such as cable tie-outs, may be used so long as they are correctly attached to a collar or harness designed to restrain a dog.

Arguably the most significant change wrought by the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is removing the 24-hour warning period that allowed bad actors to flout the law. Officers can take immediate action for tethered dogs in distress from now on.

Exceptions to the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act does not prevent owners from tethering dogs. The law requires that unattended dogs are tethered in a way that keeps them and the people around them safe, and there are several exceptions to the law. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act does not apply to dogs who are:

  • Attached to a cable-tie out or trolley system.
  • Camping or using other public recreational areas.
  • Herding livestock or assisting with farming tasks.
  • Hunting or participating in field trials.
  • In an open-air truck bed while the owner completes a temporary task.

Restraining Dogs Without Using Chains
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Center for Disease Control agree that chaining dogs is an inappropriate method of restraint. Not only do chains tangle, rust, and break, but they often cause pain and injury.

Conversely, cable tie-outs and trolley systems are designed to restrain dogs, so they are lightweight, strong, and flexible. On average, they cost between $15-$30 and are easy to find in stores and online. Below are links to highly rated cable tie-outs and trolley systems:

  1. Tumbo Trolley Dog Containment System
  2. Expawlorer Dog Tie Out Cable
  3. Boss Pet Prestige Skyline Trolly
  4. BV Pet Heavy Extra-Large Tie Out Cable
  5. Petest Trolley Runner Cable
  6. XiaZ Dog Runner Tie Out Cable

Watch this short video to see examples of cable tie-outs recommended by a company that rates affordable pet products. Always install cable tie-outs and trolley systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Read FAQ.

Voluntary Water Restrictions in Place

The City of Houston and the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority (CHCRWA) have both implemented Stage 1 of their respective Drought Contingency Plans. As a customer of the CHCRWA, Harris County MUD 150 is required to implement Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) immediately.

Voluntary Water Use Restrictions Applicable to Customers. Customers are requested to voluntarily limit the irrigation of landscaped and other areas, and to irrigate said areas only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the following days as follows:

  • Customers with even numbered addresses and those responsible for watering common areas such as esplanades, parks and sports fields should limit irrigation to Even Numbered Dates
  • Customers with odd numbered addresses should limit irrigation to Odd Numbered Dates

Additionally, customers are requested to practice water conservation and to minimize or discontinue non-essential water uses such as vehicle washing, power washing or spraying down surfaces (other than for fire protection), gutter flushing, and refilling swimming pools, hot tubs or aesthetic fountains (except those that support aquatic life).  Customers are also encouraged to take action to repair any known water leaks.

July Wrap Up

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

We kicked off July with celebrations throughout Harris County!

Teammates and residents enjoyed 4th of July Parades in communities like Kingwood and Lindale Park, providing a chance to celebrate independence and unity.

As we look back on a great month, we look forward to a new Back to School Season ahead.

You’ve Been Promoted!

We are very proud of the dedicated team members in our Detentions Team who promoted in July.

These individuals have worked hard to improve their knowledge and skills, and promote within the Detentions Profession.

We are so proud of our Detention Officers and the outstanding work they do.

National Tattoo Day

Our agency is nothing without our outstanding and diverse teammates.

Our Tattoo policy reflects such appreciation, making National Tattoo Day a fun celebration.

Tip-A-Cop for a Cause

This annual fundraiser was held at two great locations across Harris County. HCSO Teammates partnered with Texas Roadhouse and Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds for Special Olympics Texas athletes.

The funds raised from these events go directly to Special Olympics Texas, a year-round movement that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Safety Resources

As summer is coming into its last month, remember these key safety tips and resources.

Click the links below for more information.

Look Before You Lock

Water Safety Tips

Roadside Assistance in Harris County: MAP Units, Call 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627)

In the Community

Give your kids a safe place to learn and enjoy the last bit of summer!

Our HCSO PAL Program is great way to get involved with activities ranging from baseball to movie events.

It’s time for Kickball! You are invited to attend the Harris County Sheriff’s Office vs Starbucks Kickball Match on August 31st at Bayland Park.

This is a free event, come out and cheer us on. All attendees will get a chance to be entered into a raffle for a Starbucks Gift Basket benefiting the HCSO PAL program.

If your neighborhood is not registered for this year’s National Night Out, the registration deadline is September 16th, 2022. Please visit this link to download the registration form.