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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is back, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure experience for all attendees.
To make the most of your time at the rodeo while staying safe, please keep these important tips in mind:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Large crowds can create distractions. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
- Secure Your Belongings: It’s common to misplace items in crowded areas. Keep your personal belongings close and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Use Designated Transportation Areas: Always use the designated pick-up and drop-off zones for rideshare services or public transportation. Additionally, celebrate responsibly and do not drink and drive.
- Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortably: The Houston heat can be intense, even in early spring. Drink plenty of water and wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Have a Meeting Plan: If attending with family or friends, establish a designated meeting spot in case you get separated.
These safety guidelines are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable rodeo experience, but the HLSR also celebrates and honors those who dedicate their lives to public safety. Beyond individual safety, the rodeo actively recognizes the vital contributions of first responders and military personnel.
First Responders Day at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo took place on Monday, March 10. This special day honors law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Eligible first responders and their dependents receive complimentary admission to the rodeo grounds, including access to the carnival and livestock exhibits.
The HCSO proudly participated in the ceremony honoring the sacrifice of Deputies Ronald Bates, Bryan Sweetman, John Coddou, and Fernando Esqueda, who lost their lives in service. Their families were present for this heartfelt tribute. After the ceremony, HCSO escorted the families to the stadium for the Grand Entry before they enjoyed the rodeo and show.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez attended the Houston Rodeo on March 5 to celebrate Armed Forces Day and engage with the community. The entire HCSO extends its deepest gratitude to the men and women of our military. We are proud to have 755 veterans, 62 active reserve members, and 14 deployed deputies within our ranks. Your service and sacrifice protect our freedom and keep our community safe.
Your safety is paramount this rodeo season. If you see something suspicious or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement officers on duty. Enjoy the rodeo and thank you to all first responders for your service!
WATCH: HCSO Participates in First Responder’s Day
WATCH: HCSO Participates in Armed Forces Day
Honoring Women at HCSO: A Legacy of Strength and Progress
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women throughout history. Women have played a vital role in law enforcement, demonstrating leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service.
At HCSO, we are dedicated to increasing the representation of women in law enforcement. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez signed the 30×30 Initiative pledge in 2020, aiming to raise the percentage of sworn female officers to 30% by 2030. Since 2023, we’ve grown from 17.3% to nearly 20% female officers as of December 2024, thanks to increased recruitment efforts and digital campaigns encouraging career advancement.
HCSO is also preparing for the 2025 Women in Law Enforcement Symposium on May 9, 2025. More than 100 women from the agency will attend to hear from guest speakers on career growth and leadership. Six outstanding female officers will also be recognized for their exceptional performance.
This month, we celebrate the women of HCSO — past, present, and future — who continue to break barriers and lead the way in law enforcement.
WATCH: HCSO 30×30: Advancing Women in Policing
Recruiting women into law enforcement is an important step toward creating a more diverse and equitable police force. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues working towards our 30×30 pledge to advance women in law enforcement through recruitment, retention, and representation in all ranks.
Women are integral to policing at all levels, from patrol to command. We celebrate the women across our agency who work daily to protect and serve our community.
We are hiring! Join our team, and together, we can make a difference. Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Women’s History Month Spotlights
HCSO In the News
KHOU11: Harris County DA lays out priorities for his office, including how to deal with overcrowded jail
The Harris County Jail will hire 150 detention officers and 25 deputies this year after commissioners approved $2.85 million in spending, a move the sheriff’s office says will decrease the heavy workload for jail staff after a years-long struggle with overcrowding.
The funding will cover the salaries through the end of the fiscal year.
Houston Public Media: Harris County to spend $3 million on 150 detention officers to alleviate mandatory overtime
Harris County will hire 150 more detention officers and 25 deputies in a move to alleviate mandatory overtime requirements in the chronically overcrowded and understaffed Harris County Jail.
County budget staffers say the move will be the first step in enabling the county to bring back hundreds of inmates whose supervision has been outsourced to other jails.
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WATCH: From Seed to Self-Sufficiency: The HCSO Women’s Empowerment Center’s Garden of Hope
From Seed to Self-Sufficiency: The HCSO Women’s Empowerment Center’s Garden of Hope is flourishing! What started as a few raised beds has transformed into a vibrant space that provides fresh produce, therapy, and teaches essential life skills to residents.
Congratulation HCSO K9 Trex!
On Friday, March 7, 2025, K9 Trex won the K9s4Cops.org Fast Dog Competition at the Houston Rodeo! Congratulations, K9 Trex! We are incredibly proud of you!
HCSO-Mounted Patrol/Rodeo Spotlights
Slugga is a 14-year-old Sorrel quarter horse gelding. This is Slugga’s 8th year at RODEOHOUSTON.
He is owned and handled by Detective Jarrod Thompson, an 11-year veteran of HCSO and a 9-year veteran of Mounted. Slugga received his name due to Detective Thompson’s great friend Justin (Slugga) Broussard’s passing in March 2018.
Boons Blue Line, aka “Rio,” is an 8-year-old registered bay roan horse. This is Rio’s third year working at Rodeo.
Rio is handled and owned by Lieutenant Adolph, the current Mounted Unit Commander with over 30 years of experience.
Lieutenant Adolph’s love for horses extends to his spare time, where he trains, shows, and breeds ranch horses. He and his wife, Cindy, enjoy teaching new riders and sharing their time riding with friends and family.
Milagro is a grade 19-year-old sorrel quarter horse mare. She has been in the Mounted Unit for 13 years.
She is owned and handled by Sergeant Mark Barboza, a 27-year law enforcement veteran.
Dallas is a registered 12-year-old Palomino quarter-horse gelding. This is his first year at Rodeo Houston.
Sergeant Ashley Schubert, a 10-year law enforcement veteran who has served with the HCSO Mounted Patrol for 4 years, owns and manages him.
HCSO Welcomes 44 Detention Officers!
Congratulations to our 44 newest Detention Officers, who graduated on Friday, March 7, 2025! Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the entire team are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication.
Ready to make a difference? Join our ranks: HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Working Together for a Safer Community!
HCSO Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz joined the Houston Police Department’s “March on Crime” campaign on March 3, 2025, to highlight an increasing concern: scammers impersonating law enforcement officers.
Stay alert and report any suspicious activity. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 713-221-6000.
HCSO Auto Theft Protecting Our Community!
A District 5 Patrol deputy discovered an abandoned Lamborghini Huracan while responding to a call. Auto Theft Detectives were alerted and confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The car will be returned to its rightful owner. No suspects were found at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information about this theft, please contact HCSO at 713-221-6000.