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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office came together to celebrate the exceptional service and dedication of its deputies, detention officers, and teammates at the 2024 Commendation Ceremony on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The event highlighted the bravery and selflessness that these men and women demonstrate daily in their roles. Click here to view the photo gallery of the ceremony and here to watch the video.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed his gratitude for the unwavering commitment of the officers, saying, “Their dedication to our safety and well-being is the cornerstone of our community.”
Despite the challenges faced by law enforcement over the past year, the HCSO deputies and staff have consistently risen to the occasion with courage and resilience.
The ceremony honored 95 outstanding individuals, each recognized for their significant contributions to maintaining peace and safety in Harris County. Awards were presented for acts of bravery, life-saving interventions, exemplary leadership, selfless service, and exceptional police work.
“Some of you have even risked your own lives to save others, demonstrating the highest level of heroism,” said Sheriff Gonzalez.
Throughout the evening, stories of courage and dedication served as powerful reminders of law enforcement officers’ profound impact on the community. Sheriff Gonzalez emphasized that these awards are more than just symbols of achievement—they are “expressions of our deepest gratitude and admiration.”
As the ceremony concluded, Sheriff Gonzalez extended heartfelt thanks to the families and loved ones of the honorees, acknowledging their crucial role in supporting the officers. He also expressed deep appreciation for all who serve: “Your steadfast support and the exemplary courage of those we honor inspire us all. To those who serve, thank you for your continued dedication and embodying the spirit of service with unwavering honor and integrity.”
WATCH: Harris County Sheriff’s Office Commendation Ceremony
HCSO’s Back-to-School Safety Tips
As the new school year approaches, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring that students, parents, and educators have a safe and successful start. Whether your child walks to school, rides the bus, or attends online classes, safety is our top priority. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help everyone stay safe this school year:
- Follow School Zone Speed Limits: Always reduce your speed in school zones and watch for crossing guards and children.
- Obey School Bus Laws: Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs; never pass a stopped school bus.
- Use Designated Crosswalks: Encourage children to cross streets at designated crosswalks and to look both ways before crossing.
- Stay Alert While Driving: Avoid distractions, such as texting or using your phone, especially near schools and residential areas.
- Teach Children Road Safety: Instruct kids to always use sidewalks, walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available, and never run out into the street.
- Monitor Online Activity: Ensure children understand the importance of online safety by keeping personal information private and reporting any suspicious behavior.
- Practice Safe Biking: Make sure children wear helmets and use proper hand signals when biking to and from school.
- Update Emergency Contacts: Ensure the school has the most up-to-date emergency contact information for your child.
- Be Visible: Equip your child with reflective gear or bright clothing if they walk or bike to school, especially in low-light conditions.
WATCH: Back to School Safety Tips
HCSO In The News
- CW39: Local agencies team up to promote safety on the roads as kids head back to school.
HOUSTON (KIAH) — Whether you drive them, they take the bus, they ride their bikes or walk, children getting to school safely is one of the top priorities this time of year.The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and AAA Texas teamed up Friday at Love Park in The Heights to conduct a variety of demonstrations showing potential dangers that kids face as they travel from home to school and back. - KHOU11: Worker shoots at, scares off group of robbers at ATM in northwest Harris County, sheriff says.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — An investigation is underway after three men tried to rob workers servicing an ATM in northwest Harris County, investigators say.Sheriff Ed Gonzalez first posted about the incident on X at 10:59 a.m. This happened at a Bank of America location on Barker Cypress Road near Tuckerton Road. - Houston Public Media: Houston’s hottest months often mean an increase in domestic violence incidents.
Hotter temperatures mean more people are more irritable, and sadly, some may lash out in dangerous ways.According to the U.S. Justice Department, domestic or intimate partner violence increases during the summer months. And 2023, overall, was the hottest year on record for the Houston area — never mind it included a summer of extreme heat and dozens of days in which we eclipsed 100 degrees.
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HCSO Teammate of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate 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.
“Officer Stewart gave my mother a warning. Thank you for being so understanding; she is a stroke victim and rolled through a yellow light. I have a different view of officers these days. Be safe, and thank you again for your service,” said a Harris County resident.
Deputy Breiana Stewart began working as a detention officer with our agency in 2018. She completed the HCSO Academy Basic Peace Officer Course in 2019 and has been a patrol deputy since 2020. Deputy Stewart’s current role is as a patrol deputy in District 1, North Harris County, where she is dedicated to serving our community.
Mural Tribute to Deputy Esqueda
Taqueria Monchys and Ace Phoenix Art have created a stunning mural in honor of fallen HCSO Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Deputy Esqueda, a five-year veteran of the HCSO, dedicatedly served our community as part of the Violent Persons Warrant Task Force.
The community is invited to visit the mural at 719 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX. Gone but never forgotten.
Deputy Esqueda’s Commissioners Court Resolution
Thank you, Harris County Commissioners Court, for the resolution passed on August 6, 2024, honoring the life of fallen HCSO Deputy Fernando Esqueda. His family members and HCSO command leadership were present at the resolution.
Deputy Esqueda served five years with the HCSO and was a dedicated member of the HCSO Violent Persons Warrant Task Force. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
9th Annual Safe Walk Home
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined the 9th Annual Safe Walk Home, welcoming students at Marshall Middle School on Monday, August 12, 2024.
The Safe Walk Home Northside initiative was spurred by the tragic murder of 11-year-old Josue Flores as he walked home from school in 2016. We are committed to honoring Josue’s memory and ensuring the safety of our children as they walk home from school.
Wishing all students a safe and successful school year!
Acres Homes Back-to-School Event
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office had a wonderful time at the Back-to-School event on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Thanks to Acres Home Barber College and our community for attending.
I2W FUTURE Scholarship
A family member of an IN2WORK Program graduate from Harris County Jail was awarded the $2500 I2W FUTURE Scholarship!
In partnership with Aramark, our IN2WORK Program provides Harris County Jail residents valuable job skills training through classroom instruction and hands-on experience. This initiative empowers individuals, helping them build a brighter future and successfully reintegrate into the community.
Through dedication and hard work, participants gain the tools and knowledge to secure meaningful employment and support their families. The I2W FUTURE Scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of family members of IN2WORK Program graduates.
Congratulations to the recipient and our resident for supporting his family. Together, we’re making positive impacts.
Honoring Deputy Tommy Lee Berry
On August 6, 2024, the Harris County Commissioners Court issued a resolution to honor Deputy Tommy Lee Berry, who retired from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office after 41 years of dedicated service to our community, including over five years of serving Harris County Precinct 2 residents.
Since 2019, Deputy Berry has served as the liaison between Harris County Precinct 2 and HCSO, assisting our residents with their public safety needs.
We thank Deputy Berry for his unwavering commitment and outstanding service and wish him a wonderful retirement!
Back to the 80s Event
On August 6, 2024, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Parks Division hosted the “Back to the 80s” theme celebration for seniors! In collaboration with the HCSO Community Engagement Division, the HCSO Parks Division organized the party to honor our seniors. HCSO teammates shared valuable safety resources with our Harris County residents!
