Sheriff Message – Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 150

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez — Building a Stronger Swiftwater Response

August 21, 2026 by HCMUD 150

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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Harris County,

I am thrilled to share that last week marked an exciting milestone for the safety of our community: we broke ground on Harris County’s very first Swiftwater Rescue Training Facility.

This new facility means one thing above all — when the next flood hits, the first responders arriving at your door will be better trained, better prepared, and better equipped to bring your family home safely. That’s not a small thing. That’s the whole point.

Harris County floods. We know it, and after Hurricane Harvey and Imelda, so many of our neighbors know it firsthand too. For years, if our deputies wanted to get certified in swiftwater rescue, they had to travel all the way past Austin — and when that facility closed, we lost that resource entirely. Meanwhile, our county keeps growing, which means more families, more neighborhoods, and more people counting on us to show up prepared when the water rises.

This facility changes that. It will offer hands-on training right here at home for first responders across our region, covering water rescue techniques, entrapment avoidance, swimming proficiency, and effective team coordination. When our teams train together, they build the kind of trust that matters most in the middle of a rescue — and that trust can be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy.

I still think back to Hurricane Harvey often. I was new as your Sheriff when it hit, and I remember how quickly the water rose and how many of us went out to help with no formal training for what we were facing. We got people home because that’s who we are. But our community deserves more than grit alone — you deserve first responders who trained for this before the storm ever arrives.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who believed in this project from the beginning. A big thank you to the Commissioners Court for prioritizing public safety and championing this initiative. My sincere appreciation also goes to County Engineer Dr. Milton Rahman and his incredible team at the Office of the County Engineer for their expertise and hard work in bringing this vision to life. And to the voters of Harris County — thank you for your trust in approving the bonds that made this facility possible. You invested in your own safety, and we don’t take that lightly.

I also want to highlight two outstanding members of our own team, Mike Lee and Sean Williams, whose unwavering advocacy made this project a reality. This facility stands because they didn’t let it drop.

Last week, we took the first step. Soon, those doors will open. And when the next storm comes, I want every family in Harris County to know: the people answering your call have trained for this moment.

Thank you for your trust in us, every single day. Together, we are building a safer future.

HCSO In the News

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Warns Hearthstone Residents About Deputy Impersonation Scam Demanding Immediate Payment

A phone call from someone claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy can get a person’s attention quickly — especially when the caller already seems to know who they are. That sense of urgency is exactly what scammers are counting on in a scheme currently targeting Harris County residents.

A Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigator recently flagged a high volume of calls in which fraudsters impersonate HCSO deputies, tell residents they have an active arrest warrant and demand immediate payment to avoid being arrested.

Before the next flood, Harris County is changing how rescues begin

For years, Harris County first responders have had to leave the region to receive specialized swiftwater rescue training. That is about to change.

County officials broke ground Friday on a new Swiftwater Rescue Training Facility at 1731 Hugh Road. The center will give deputies, constables, firefighters and other emergency personnel a place to practice water rescues, entrapment avoidance, swimming skills and team coordination in controlled conditions.

Behind the Badge: Sgt. Arthur Kuk and Det. Christian Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Metal Theft Task Force

Sergeant Arthur Kuk and Detective Christian Gonzalez of HCSO’s Metal Theft Task Force led the investigation into thefts that cost AT&T more than $6 million across Greater Houston, resulting in multiple arrests and over $1 million in recovered equipment. AT&T publicly praised the partnership and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez’s leadership in keeping the community’s critical infrastructure secure.

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Teammates 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.

A Harris County resident recently shared:

💬 “I want to thank the HCSO Emergency Dispatch Center first for handling my call so promptly and professionally. I ran out of gas on the way to the gas station only 1/4 mile away, and my two autistic kiddos were in the car. I didn’t know who else to call. Deputy Sultan showed up and assured me I was ok. Helped me set up the gas bottle, fill my tank, and get me on the road again. I was having the roughest day ever and just wanted to take my kids to the park. Thank you again, Deputy Sultan.”

Deputy Sultan has served with HCSO for nine years, spending his entire law enforcement career with the department. He currently serves as a Patrol Deputy in District 6, in north Harris County.

👏 Thank you, Deputy Sultan, for turning a stressful moment into one of relief and reassurance for a mom just trying to get her kids to the park. Your kindness and quick response made all the difference!

A Harris County resident recently shared:

💬”I would like to formally commend Sgt. Escobar for his exceptional assistance during a recent roadside incident. A mattress fell from another truck and became lodged underneath my vehicle, leaving me frightened, overwhelmed, and concerned for my safety and my family. Sgt. Escobar responded with professionalism, patience, and compassion. When he saw my distress, he personally paid cash for a tow truck to assist in lifting my vehicle and resolving the situation safely. He, along with another officer, also helped remove the mattress from underneath my car. His kindness, quick action, and willingness to go beyond what is expected had a significant impact on me during a very stressful moment. I am deeply grateful for his help and would like his actions to be formally recognized! Thank you so much, God bless you!”

Sgt. Escobar joined HCSO in May 2014, but his law enforcement career began in July 2006. He currently serves as a Sergeant on Patrol in District 4, which covers west Harris County, and he works evening shifts. Prior to his law enforcement career, Sgt. Escobar proudly served in the United States Air Force.

👏 Thank you, Sgt. Escobar, for your compassion and quick thinking when a community member needed help most — and for reaching into your own pocket to make sure she got home safely. This is what service above and beyond looks like.

Two Years Later: The Search for Answers Continues

Kelly Masciarelli, her son Kolin Foster, and his girlfriend Cameryn Richard were murdered inside a Cypress home that was intentionally set on fire.

The FBI has now increased the reward to up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible.

We are resharing previously released surveillance video showing a male suspect with a tall, muscular build getting into a black four-door sedan driven by another individual. Investigators believe someone may recognize the suspect, the vehicle, or know something about what happened that night.

If you know something, say something.

📞 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)

💻 tips.fbi.gov

Even the smallest detail could help bring justice to these families.

🚔 There’s No Loophole

Spoiler alert: there’s no loophole. HCSO deputies are increasing DWI enforcement through Labor Day.

Make the right call before you ever get behind the wheel — plan a sober ride, use a rideshare, or hand over the keys.

Drive sober. Get home safe.

Director David Klozik Named 2026 PSAPs’ Finest Director of the Year

Long before a deputy arrives, before lights and sirens, someone is already there — on the phone, listening through the panic, bringing order to chaos, and making the split-second decisions that set everything else in motion.

That’s the work David Klozik has spent his career leading, and this month, it was recognized on a national stage.

David, Director of our Emergency Dispatch Center, has been named the 2026 PSAPs’ Finest Director of the Year by NiCE Public Safety — a national award now in its twenty-first year, honoring the individuals and teams whose skill, compassion, and leadership keep emergency communications running when every second counts. Winners aren’t chosen by NiCE itself, but by an independent panel of respected leaders from the 911 and public safety community — which makes this recognition mean even more.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a room full of telecommunicators through the worst moments of other people’s lives, day after day, David is a good example. It’s a job that rarely gets seen by the public, but its impact reaches every single call that comes through our Emergency Dispatch Center — and every family on the other end of that call.

We couldn’t be prouder to see David’s leadership recognized at this level. Congratulations, David — this one’s well earned. 🎉

Leadership in Action: Detention Sergeant Andrews

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO recognize Detention Sergeant Andrews for her exemplary leadership and quick action in ensuring the safety and welfare of those in our custody.

As Supervisor of the Standards & Compliance Unit, Sergeant Andrews responded swiftly to an unexpected challenge, directing her team to ensure a safe and efficient resolution while showing thoughtful consideration for those in her care.

Thank you for embodying diligence, compassion, and operational readiness every single day! 👏

📣 Calling All Future Leaders!

Are you a high school student ready to lead? The HCSO Youth Leadership Council is now accepting applications!

Council members meet monthly with HCSO leaders, get behind-the-scenes access to the department, and tackle real topics like bullying prevention, teen dating violence, suicide prevention, drug & alcohol awareness, and traffic safety — all while building leadership skills for college and career.

Plus, members gain access to scholarship opportunities and a boost to their resumes and college applications!

Who can apply?
✅ High school students (Grades 9–12)
✅ Harris County residents
✅ Good academic standing
✅ Motivated and ready to lead

Spots are limited — apply now! See your school counselor or visit harriscountyso.org/Services/YouthLeadershipCouncil to fill out an application.

Welcome to the Team!

Congratulations to our newest class of Detention Officers on their graduation!

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO couldn’t be prouder of these men and women who answered the call to serve. Welcome to the team!

Ready to start your own career in service? 📞 Call 713-877-5250 or visit HCSOJobs.com to apply today!

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez — Conversations to Have Before the First Bell Rings

August 7, 2026 by HCMUD 150

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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

Another school year is here, and with it comes a mix of excitement, a little chaos, and a lot of love packed into these first few weeks. Whether you’re walking your child to the bus stop, driving them to school, or watching them ride off on their bike for the first time on their own, I know how much trust you’re placing in all of us- teachers, neighbors, and yes, your Sheriff’s Office- to help keep them safe along the way.

That trust means everything to us. It’s why our team has been putting together a series of simple, practical safety tips for parents, students, and drivers, covering everything from open communication at home, to safe routes to school, to what to do in an emergency. Starting next week, you’ll see these shared on our social media, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to talk through them with your family.

Here’s what I’d ask of every driver in Harris County: please slow down in school zones. Watch for our kids crossing the street, stop for school buses, and put the phone down. These are simple things, but they save lives, and every child deserves to make it home safely at the end of the day.

As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, we also want to remind parents to make sure their child’s e-bike is legal to operate in Texas. Under Texas law, an electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals, a motor of fewer than 750 watts, and a top assisted speed of no more than 28 mph. Parents should make sure their children ride responsibly and wear a properly fitted helmet. It’s also a good idea to check with your child’s school district, as many schools have their own policies on whether and where e-bikes are permitted on campus.

Beyond these everyday safety habits, I also want you to know that we’re working year-round with school districts across our region to prepare for the moments none of us want to imagine.

Earlier this year, we hosted the first Harris County Active Threat Tabletop, bringing together superintendents, district police chiefs, and emergency management leaders to pressure-test our response to school-based emergencies, and we followed it with a second exercise in April. This isn’t a one-time meeting; it’s an ongoing commitment to preparation, partnership, and accountability across every district we serve.

To every parent preparing backpacks this week, you’re not alone in this. Our deputies are out there in school zones, at bus stops, and in our neighborhoods, working every day to help make this year a safe and successful one for your children.

Here’s to a great school year, Harris County. Let’s look out for each other.