Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – HCSO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month – Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 150

Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges and celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our county is important.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Heritage Month, is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15, because it commemorates the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Mexico which celebrates its independence on September 16. This month-long celebration is meant to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic individuals.

From art to literature, music to food, there is so much to celebrate and learn about Hispanic cultures. Let’s take this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves, appreciate diversity, and foster a more inclusive society.

Join me in recognizing and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic heritage! Ways to honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month:

Educate yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources highlighting Hispanic heritage.
Share knowledge: Raise awareness about the achievements and struggles of Hispanic Americans.
Attend cultural events: Participate in local celebrations, festivals, or exhibitions that showcase Hispanic heritage, such as music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
Support Hispanic-owned businesses: Visit local Hispanic restaurants, shops, and businesses to show appreciation for their contributions to the community’s economy.
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to Hispanic community organizations or initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, social justice, or other relevant causes.
Recognize Hispanic leaders: Highlight and acknowledge the achievements of Hispanic leaders in your community, workplace, or school.
Promote cultural integration: Encourage diversity and inclusivity by fostering a safe and welcoming environment for others.

Together ‘Unidos’ We Make The Difference

This month also serves as a platform to raise awareness of the challenges and issues faced by the Hispanic community. In 2021, we launched Unidos, a program aimed at providing assistance to Spanish-speaking residents in Harris County through valuable resources and connections to meet the community’s needs.

Unidos covers a range of topics, including how to report a crime and address public safety concerns. The program helps promote safer communities and a better quality of life by establishing meaningful relationships with residents and empowering them through education. For more information about Unidos, send an email to Unidos@sheriff.hctx.net.

We hope everyone has a happy and memorable Hispanic Heritage Month!

National Suicide Prevention Week

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month and Week, HCSO Behavioral Health and Mental Health Divisions joined forces with The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD and hosted a discussion on suicide prevention and awareness and answered questions from the viewers.

Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger. It is critical that you recognize what stress looks like, take steps to build your resilience, and know where to go if you need help.

If you are worried about a loved one or if you need help, please call:

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
For Emergencies call 911
The Harris Center 713-970-7000
HCSO non-emergency line 713-221-6000
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team 713-970-7520
Crisis Hotline-Military Veterans 1-800-273-8255

There’s always a better path with care, resources, and support. You are not alone.

HCSO In The News

KHOU: HCSO Deputy Released From Hospital About a Month After Being Shot During Traffic Stop

“A Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was shot in the line of duty was released from the hospital recently.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Joseph Anderson, who was shot during a traffic stop last month, left on Saturday, nearly one month after he was shot.

Terran Green, the man facing charges in connection with Anderson’s shooting, is due back in court in November. He’s accused of shooting several law enforcement officers over the course of about 24 hours in August. Three of them were shot and one was injured by shrapnel.”

KHOU: Runaway Task Force Created To Find Houston’s Missing Kids

“For years, the parents of missing children company that the term “runaway” has held back law enforcement efforts to find their kids. But now, with a better understanding of child trafficking, some of that appears to be changing.

Last month, KHOU 11 News followed a new Harris County task force designated to locate reported runaway kids. The sheriff’s office said it’s working, but some parents of missing kids said that for them, it’s too late.”

Katy Magazine: Harris County Police Captain Talks Katy Crime; How Residents Can Help

“Captain Donald Wine of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and a strong Katyite, including a proud Katy High School graduate, sat down exclusively with Katy Magazine to talk the state of Katy’s crime.

Katy’s growth comes with many great new amenities and opportunities, but crime also follows growth along with the rise in population. Captain Wine loves Katy and wants people to trust the police and take responsibility for keeping this community great. “If you don’t report it, we don’t know about it,” says Captain Wine. “Your police are here and we do care.””

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HCSO TeleDeputy Overtime Program

For the next year, deputies will handle eligible 911 calls/reports by phone allowing patrol deputies to focus on higher-priority calls with faster response times.