Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez — Conversations to Have Before the First Bell Rings
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
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.
HCSO In the News
New Harris County driving center aims to make first responders safer
Harris County is moving forward with plans to build a first-of-its-kind driving training center where deputies, constables and other first responders will practice high-risk driving scenarios in a controlled environment.
The new D.R.I.V.E. Center, planned for the Humble area, will provide Harris County law enforcement agencies with a dedicated facility for precision driving training, something county officials say does not currently exist. The facility will be located at 2316 Atascocita Road and will serve the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, and all eight Harris County Constable precincts.
Ex-boyfriend fatally shoots 17-year-old mother of his child and her brother in Texas: sheriff
A 17-year-old mother and her 29-year-old brother were shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend after he confronted them outside her Texas home, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said that deputies responded to the shooting in the 200-block of West Canino Road after receiving the call at about 10:50 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Follow HCSO Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
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 was pleasantly surprised by Deputy Esparza, one of the Deputies at 701 N San Jacinto. He greeted me with a smile, took my ID, and called me by my name. He made the whole experience so much nicer, so much so that on my way out, I waited in line to get his name so I could submit this commendation. Everyone deserves respect, and it doesn’t cost anything to show kindness. He understands that better than most.”
Deputy Esparza has served with HCSO for 7 years, beginning his law enforcement career in May 2019. He currently works at the 701 Jail Operations facility, where he oversees visitation and responds to any outside disturbances.
Thank you, Deputy Esparza, for the compassion and respect you show every visitor who walks through those doors. Your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed!
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“I would like to thank the two deputies who assisted me with my case. The deputies drove us home and helped us with the groceries that we had purchased since we didn’t have a way home. Deputy Bonilla and Deputy Miller were friendly, polite, and very helpful. I do appreciate them so much.”
Deputy Phillip Miller joined the HCSO Reserve in 2016, serving D5 Patrol. He became full-time with HCSO in September 2020 and has served as a Field Training Officer in D5 since 2021.
Deputy Diego Bonilla joined HCSO on May 19, 2025, when he started the academy. He currently serves as a Probationary Patrol Deputy (PPD).
Thank you, Deputy Miller and Deputy Bonilla, for going above and beyond to make sure a Harris County resident got home safely. Your kindness and dedication make a real difference!
A Bond Beyond the Badge: Remembering Alberto Cardenas
For 16 years, the Cardenas family has returned to HCSO with homemade tamales — a tradition that began as a simple thank-you and has become a lasting bond.
On July 27, 2010, 15-year-old Alberto Cardenas was killed during a home invasion robbery in Spring. Sgt. Jason Brown led the investigation that ultimately brought his killer to justice. Through it all, investigators and the Cardenas family stood side by side, from the initial days of canvassing for leads to years of hearings and sentencing.
Today, Alberto’s memory lives on through his family’s tradition and through the relationships built between them and the investigators who never stopped fighting for justice on his behalf.
Join Us for a FREE Back-to-School Community Event!
Back-to-school season is better together! Bring the whole family to our FREE community event on August 15 for backpacks, food, snow cones, games, and a chance to explore HCSO’s SWAT Truck, Mounted Patrol, MAP Unit, and more. See you there!
HCSO K-9s: The Untold Story
For our HCSO K-9s… It’s finally their turn to tell the story.
Interviews have been translated from “Bark” for your convenience.
Federal Legislation Introduced to Honor Fallen Detective Darren Almendarez
Detective Darren Almendarez’s legacy continues to protect others. Last week, the bipartisan Deputy Darren Almendarez Act was introduced in Congress to strengthen the fight against catalytic converter theft. The legislation honors Detective Almendarez, who was shot and killed while off duty as he tried to stop this very crime.
“Darren gave his life protecting me that night as well as the community at large. The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act means so much to our family because it represents more than legislation—it represents hope,” said Flor Zarzoza-Almendarez, Deputy Almendarez’s wife.
We are grateful to everyone helping ensure Detective Almendarez’s courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.
Three Detention Officers Commended
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO recognize Detention Officers Battah, Galvan, and Driver-Smith for receiving a Letter of Commendation for their outstanding vigilance while on duty.
During separate proactive searches, these officers discovered concealed, dangerous contraband, successfully removing potential threats from the facility before they could cause harm.
Their attentiveness, teamwork, and commitment to safety exemplify the highest standards of the HCSO. We are proud to acknowledge their dedication to protecting our facility, our staff, and the community.
