Sheriff Message

Our men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office prioritize our First Core Value: Merit, and maintain the public’s trust. It sets the foundation of that relationship we strive to achieve with the community we serve. We are a diverse and inclusive agency that aims to reflect the county we serve. Being an inclusive agency means we celebrate June as Pride Month. And we celebrate the fact that many LGBTQ members of our agency serve openly and with absolute pride.

Since I’ve been Sheriff, every year HCSO has been in attendance and participated in the Houston Pride Parade, just like we march in parades that celebrate so many other aspects of our great community. Unfortunately, given the impact of this pandemic, Houston’s 2020 Pride parade was postponed to the fall. I encourage members from the LGBTQ community to apply and become a part of our very inclusive family, please click here for more information or call us at 713-877-5250.

Prepare for a hurricane

June also marks the beginning of Hurricane Season, which ends in November. You can’t stop a hurricane, but you can prepare now to protect you and your loved ones. Don’t wait until a warning is issued and the stores are empty or closed. Prepare an emergency plan and make sure every member of your family knows what to do.

Please follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:

• Get emergency supplies: Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies in your go-bag, or car trunk.
• Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
• Avoid flooded areas: Take precautions before, during, and after a flood.
• Prepare to Evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
• Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
• Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after an emergency.
• Stay safe after a hurricane: Learn how to avoid injuries, make sure your food and water are safe, and clean up mold safely.
• Review Important Documents: Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
• Strengthen your Home: Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
• Stay informed: with your local weather authority.

Protecting our residents

Last week, Crisis Intervention Response Team Deputy Doucet and Clinician Porter, from the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, were able to help a man who was threatening to kill himself with a knife. Deputy Doucet showed extreme patience and self-control, while relying on his training to manage the situation. Thank you Deputy Doucet for de-escalating the situation and saving a life.

The Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) was implemented in September 2011. This is a co-responder program pairing a CIT-trained deputy with a masters-level clinician. These teams respond to the most serious calls involving individuals in a mental health crisis. In 2019, CIRT responded to 4,430 calls, conducted 1,209 evaluations, and conducted 242 jail diversions. For more information about CIRT click here.

The City of Humble proclaimed May 28, 2020, as “Raymond Scholwinski Day.” Thank you for honoring our friend and teammate. Please continue to pray for his family and loved ones. Your brothers and sisters in blue have the watch from here.

Stay alert

The battle against the pandemic continues and protective measures remain just as vital today to control the spread as they were at the outset of this pandemic. 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. If you want to get tested click here or call 832-927-7575.

I’m optimistic this month will bring new opportunities for all of us. Stay positive, count your blessings, and keep moving forward. I hope everyone has a great weekend. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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As the Memorial Day weekend begins, join me to honor and pay respect to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. This holiday weekend ushers in the unofficial beginning of summer, and I want to ensure everyone is safe.

Prevent a tragedy

Please remember to drive sober, make plans to arrive home safely. Several speed radars have been placed throughout the county along with enhanced traffic enforcement to remind residents to slow down. More information below on our social media section.

Keeping our community safe is our priority. Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up and your children are in their car seats. SAFE KIDS Greater Houston is offering a virtual car seat check. Call 832-822-2277 for more information.

Many families will be spending time around swimming pools, please remember to practice proper water safety, as well as social distancing to try to mitigate the virus’ spread. Before heading out read the following safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide, and assist in doing your part to prevent a tragedy.

• Water watcher: This person should be someone who will pay attention to children who are playing in the water.
• Life jackets: Be sure that the life jackets fit properly and are fastened securely.
• Swimming lessons: Although knowing how to swim can’t prevent drowning 100 percent, it’s an important skill for both children and adults.
• Learn CPR: Red Cross offers an online CPR certification, for more information please click here.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4. Avoid a tragedy by always keeping your eyes on your little ones.

Stay vigilant

Getting past this virus is a shared responsibility, and I want to thank our residents for doing their part. It’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from the virus. Keep following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, wear a cloth face-covering in public spaces, keep at least 6 feet of physical distance, and wash your hands frequently. The CDC also recommends some helpful tips for running essential errands, such as grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy, and banking. Click here for more information.

As more of our county reopens, testing has become an important tool to identify infection. The Harris County Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of the free testing. Click here to schedule a test or call 832-927-7575.

You are not alone

This week, Deputy Thompson, showcased what our third core value truly means — protect our residents with honor and courage. He responded to a weapons disturbance on east Harris County, upon arrival a man on a roof threatened to kill himself and shoot Deputy Thompson. He continued talking to him and eventually persuaded him to do otherwise. Deputy Thompson, thank you for your heroism!

Unfortunately we see individuals who have lost all hope. Please know that you have options and that my team and I are here to help. If you are in Harris County and need help please call 713-221-6000 or 911. Remember you are not alone.

I wish everyone a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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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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