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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Today we marked the beginning of rodeo season, one of our city’s civic pride points and a beloved salute to our cowboy heritage, with western attire. In honor of Go Texan Day, team members dusted off their cowboy boots and hats and wrangled up their blue jeans. Going Texan tells everyone that you belong to this county and great state, and it belongs to you. It’s something we pride ourselves on. It’s unmatched.
73rd Annual Pony Express Ride
Dozens of riders from our Mounted Patrol Unit and area law enforcement agencies participated in the 73rdAnnual Pony Express Ride, a time-honored tradition where relay teams hand-deliver Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invitations to Texas elected officials. Riders started their journey on Sunday from the Waller County Fairgrounds, arriving at the steps of the Texas Capitol on Monday.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol was formed under Sheriff Buster Kern in 1949.
Mounted Patrol started with volunteers and eventually transformed from a reserve function to what it is today.
Our Mounted Patrol deputies build personal bonds with the community, removing patrol cars as barriers and having a direct connection with residents.
Lt. Chris Adolph, who oversees our Mounted Patrol Unit, said, “People gravitate to the horses and start conversations. They want to engage with us and know more.”
Deputy Jaquarrius Mollique has served with Mounted Patrol for about a year and is a first-time participant in the Annual Pony Express Ride.
Deputy Mollique, who is from Louisiana, used to ride horses as a child and was inspired to join the unit after seeing District 3 Crime Reduction Unit Deputy Humphrey Ihejirikah in action.
Deputy Ihejirikah was part of a pilot program that trains deputies with limited riding experience to be members of the Mounted Patrol Unit.
During this year’s relay ride, Deputy Mollique was inspired by the parade ride in Austin.
He said, “We were riding in a large group and surrounded by our partners at Austin Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety, bringing home all the hard work and preparation that make this tradition successful.”
“I wanted to join the Mounted Patrol Unit because I enjoy being around horses and engaging with the public in a positive way,” said Deputy Jaquarrius Mollique.
Deputy Mollique says one of his most memorable moments was working a holiday event in the Baytown area. He noticed a young boy following him around. “He was very persistent in wanting to pet my horse. I had one more stuffed animal to give out and when I gave it to him, he completely lit up. This made me so proud.”
Over the next several weeks, we look forward to taking in all that we have come to love about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
Senior Citizens’ Police Academy
This virtual academy is dedicated to increasing awareness about issues that affect older adults and ways we can support them.
We will share helpful resources and safety advice specifically tailored for those 65 years and older. We’ll encourage them to stay involved in their communities and to take precautions to reduce their vulnerability to certain crimes, such as mugging, scams, and fraud.
Starting March 22, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. through April 19, Senior Citizens’ Police Academy participants will learn about:
- Fraud and scams
- Romance scams
- Identity Theft
- 911 and non-emergency communication
- Living Life Online
Register by the approaching deadline, Tuesday, March 8.