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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
During the holiday season, we must pause and reflect on the positive aspects of our lives and the true meaning of the festivities. The kindness and determination demonstrated by many community members this year are truly remarkable. As we celebrate Christmas and the holidays, I would like to express my appreciation for your continued support.
Some of our teammates will work through the holidays, sacrificing time spent with their loved ones. Our job never stops, and I’m grateful for those who serve and protect our residents with honor and courage.
I hope everyone enjoys time with their loved ones. We’re grateful for your readership and partnership and wish you and yours a restful and joyous holiday! Stay safe.
Spreading Holiday Cheer: Harris County Sheriff’s Office Joins Shop with a Cop Program
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined the Shop with a Cop program this holiday season. This heartwarming initiative brought joy, built positive relationships, and created lasting memories between law enforcement officers and the youth in our community.
This program spread holiday cheer by allowing children to shop for gifts alongside law enforcement officers using donated gift cards valued up to $200. It’s a festive occasion that brings smiles and warmth to all involved.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office began a partnership with Macy’s August 2022 and with Target this year. However, we have participated in various Shop with Cop events with other organizations over the past several years.
HCSO participated in eight Shop with a Cop events this holiday season. The last Shop with a Cop was with eight essay contest winners!
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the opportunity to participate in programs like Shop with a Cop. Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for the children in our community and foster a spirit of unity.
Celebrate Responsibly!
In the spirit of the holidays, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to celebrate responsibly. Never drink and drive!
HCSO wants to emphasize the importance of responsible and safe holiday celebrations. Our community’s well-being is a collective effort, which means making responsible choices, and planning ahead about how you will get home before you start drinking.
Drinking and driving jeopardizes not only your safety but the safety of others on the road. This season, let’s prioritize the welfare of our loved ones, neighbors, and fellow community members.
- Designate a Sober Driver: Plan and designate a sober driver if you’ll be consuming alcohol.
- Use Rideshare Services: Take advantage of rideshare services or public transportation to ensure a safe journey home.
- Encourage Responsible Choices: Remind friends and family to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence.
- Report Suspected Drunk Drivers: If you observe someone driving erratically, immediately report it to 911 or 713-221-6000.
- Plan Alternative Transportation: Have a backup plan for getting home that doesn’t involve driving under the influence.
By making responsible choices, we can collectively contribute to a safer and happier holiday season. Thank you for being a trustworthy and caring member of our community. Let’s ensure this holiday season is filled with joy, warmth, and safety.
WATCH: Tips To Prevent Auto Theft During the Holiday Season
Lt. John Gonzalez from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Division provides car burglary prevention tips for the holiday season.
WATCH: Protecting Your Packages
As we enjoy the holidays, it’s important to be vigilant and protect your packages from porch pirates. The HCSO Burglary and Theft Unit is sharing valuable tips to help safeguard your packages and ensure a secure holiday. Call 713-221-6000 to report stolen packages.
HCSO In The News
KHOU: HCSO releases video, photos of vehicle involved in deadly road rage shooting
Law enforcement agencies are joining forces to put the brakes on reckless driving following the increase in injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Sheriff Ed Gonzales said this year in Harris County, 57 auto-pedestrian collisions resulted in a total of 60 pedestrian deaths. In 2022, there were 53 such accidents resulting in 53 deaths, and in 2021, 46 crashes killed 48 people. “The number of auto-pedestrian fatalities keeps increasing year after year. This is a major concern for us,” said Sheriff Gonzalez.
Click2Houston: Harris County Jail moving to digital mail system to cut down on contraband
A recent investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office highlights an ongoing effort to cut down on contraband smuggled into jails and prisons via paper correspondence. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the county is in the final stages of setting up a digital mail system in the jail. Houston attorney Ronald Lewis, 77, was recently charged with bringing paper soaked in synthetic marijuana and ecstasy into the jail. He is charged with two felonies of bringing a prohibited substance into a correctional facility. Lewis’ attorney has not yet returned a call to KPRC 2 for comment.
The HCSO Elf on the Shelf – Deputy Elfington – Farewell and Gratitude
As the holiday season comes to a close, Deputy Elfington is returning to the North Pole to assist Santa for next year’s festivities.
He wants to thank our community, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for the warm welcome and festive spirit shared throughout his stay.
“It has been a joyous adventure filled with community events, safety initiatives, meeting great teammates, and spreading holiday cheer,” said Deputy Elfington. “Thank you for being an amazing community, and until next time, happy holidays and a fantastic new year!”
Deputy Elfington joined a patrol training in north Harris County with Deputy Priscilla Leos, who joined HCSO in 2012 as a detention officer.
She became a deputy in 2017. Deputy Leos has been assigned to District 2 Patrol since 2019.
Deputy Elfington, trained with the HCSO Motorcycle Unit!
Elfington joined Deputy Victor Garcia, an accident investigator.
Deputy Garcia joined HCSO in 2013; since 2014, he’s been part of our Vehicular Crimes Division.
Deputy Elfington went to the Harris County Jail to assist with the mail project to keep our teammates and those in our custody safe. Detention Officers Zanquess Cavett and Peyton Anderson processed inmate mail.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office established the jail-based Criminal Investigations and Security Division in response to a substantial increase in drug overdoses in the jail. The safety of our teammates and those in our custody is our priority.
Deputy Elfington also went to the HCSO Emergency Dispatch Center and helped Communication Officer Charles Kintz with calls.
Communication Officer Kintz began his career at HCSO in 2008. He’s enthusiastic about his role and takes pride in helping his community.
Deputy Elfington also trained with K9 Timon, our paw enforcement partner.
K9 Timon is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois certified in patrol and narcotics and works with his handler, Deputy Clayton.
After work, Elfington took K9 Timon to get a Puppuccino to celebrate a successful training day! Thanks to K9 Timon and Deputy Clayton for protecting our community.
Deputy Elfington trained with the HCSO SWAT Team and learned basic tactical operations from Deputy Kenneth Sandor.
Deputy Sandor joined HCSO in 2013 as a patrol deputy in District 3 in east Harris County. He joined the HCSO SWAT team in 2015 and is one of the team’s Marksman.
In Memory of K9 Ziko
We are sad to report the passing of our beloved K9 Ziko.
K9 Ziko was an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois who recently retired and assisted with numerous narcotics arrests and criminal apprehensions. K9 Ziko worked with Sgt. Moore since November 2014 and was part of HCSO SWAT since 2016.
Sgt. Moore and Ziko shared a unique bond. Ziko’s recent retirement allowed him to enjoy a well-deserved rest, surrounded by the love and care of Sgt. Moore and his family.
Ziko served with unwavering loyalty and dedication. His presence will be sorely missed, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those privileged to work alongside him. Thanks to K9s4COPs for their support.
We extend our deepest condolences to Sgt. Moore, his family, and those who worked with him.
In honor of K9 Ziko’s service, bravery, and friendship, we express our gratitude for his indelible mark on HCSO and the community he served.
May you rest in peace, faithful companion. Thank you for your service.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office highlight teammates who go above and beyond their normal duties to serve others. We receive positive commendations daily from the community describing positive impacts.
“I want to pause and recognize one of your outstanding officers and his commitment to excellence and exceeding expectations! Sgt. Ernie McNabb has worked in our district, northwest Harris County, for over ten years. As soon as I reported to him that we were getting slammed with community mailbox thefts, he immediately engaged and continued checking the cluster boxes during his patrols,” said a Harris County resident.
“He rolled up on a suspect at the mailboxes with the trunk of the vehicle opened and holding a crowbar in his hand. The suspect fled, but Sgt. McNabb got him identified, and the U.S. Postal Inspector was delighted to get this piece of the puzzle to bring their evidence on this ring to charges filed! The suspects were caught with stolen mail and counterfeit mailbox keys. Sheriff Gonzalez, our District is extremely pleased with the work and efforts of Sgt. McNabb and we would like to request that he receive the Highest Commendation that you can give! Thank you!”
Sergeant McNabb began his law enforcement career in 1993. He transferred to HCSO from the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office seven years ago. He currently serves as a night shift Sergeant in District 2 in north Harris County.