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Last week, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) honored exceptional deputies, detention officers, and teammates for their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to serving their community. The awards ceremony reflected our team members’ incredible work across our agency, day in and day out. I am truly humbled to work alongside phenomenal public servants.
Nearly 115 recipients distinguished themselves through sacrificial service and heroic acts on duty. Their efforts earned them awards for bravery, lifesaving, leadership, and excellent and persistent police work.
We extend our sincere gratitude to their families. They know their loved one is performing a vital and sometimes dangerous job. This accomplishment also belongs to them.
We have an opportunity to make an impact every day in our profession. We thank our teammates for their hard work, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Congratulations on this accomplishment! Keep up the fantastic work!
In Case You Missed The Ceremony
Suicide Prevention Month: One Conversation Can Change a Life
Our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family understands how crucial it is for everyone to care about their mental well-being. Our mental health can influence how we think, feel, and act. We take great pride in actively addressing behavioral health issues in Harris County through meaningful partnerships, specialized training, and model programs. We strive daily to serve residents compassionately while prioritizing our community’s safety.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we remember those we have lost and come together to raise awareness around a complex topic. It’s a time to support those affected by suicide, share memories of loved ones, reduce the stigma through education, and encourage those needing help and resources.
We Are Here For You
The following warning signs from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden to others
- Substance abuse
- Acting anxious or behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or extreme mood swings
If you or someone you know is having a hard time, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Thanks for doing your part to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs we can learn. And we can stand together to build a world rooted in neighbors helping neighbors. It can save lives.
Join HCSO Facebook Live Discussion on Suicide Prevention Resources
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, our Behavioral Health and Mental Health Divisions are joining forces with The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD to host a Facebook Live discussion on suicide prevention resources and to answer questions from the community on crisis support. Tune into the livestream on the HCSO Facebook Page at 1 p.m., on Friday, September 8, 2023. Don’t miss it.
Make a Plan: Don’t Drink and Drive
As we reflect on our daily dedication and commitment to our work this Labor Day weekend, let’s celebrate this special holiday responsibly.
Before the festivities begin, do your part to ensure everyone’s safety on our roads.
- Don’t wait until after you have started drinking to make a plan. Alcohol impairs your judgment and you may think you’re okay to drive when you are not.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange for someone you trust to pick you up.
- Call or text a sober friend or family member.
- Call a taxi or rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.
- Use public transit, such as the METRORail, to get home safely.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with other law enforcement agencies ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend to crack down on drunk drivers across the county.
Harris County has had one of the highest DWI fatality crash rates in the country for several years. The multi-agency impaired driver task force will focus on preventing alcohol and drug-related traffic incidents and saving lives. Dozens of deputies will be out in full force to identify and arrest motorists that make the choice to get behind the wheel while under the influence.
Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is preventable. If you’re drinking, don’t take a chance on being arrested or hurting yourself or someone else.
Have a fun-filled and safe Labor Day weekend with your loved ones. Enjoy a day of rest and be proud of your contributions to our communities.
WATCH: Help the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Solve Crime
Want to help us catch criminals and solve crimes using your surveillance cameras? Join our SafeCam Program! The program allows residents and businesses to register their surveillance cameras voluntarily.
If you have a private exterior security camera, you can participate and register your camera with SafeCam by clicking here. Thank you for helping us make our county a safer place.
HCSO In The News
Houston-area community center renamed in honor of fallen Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez
“He served 23 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office before his life was taken. Now his memory will live on in the form of a community center that will celebrate his life.
Harris County Precinct 2 announcing that the Northeast Community Center located at 10918 1/2 Bentley in Houston had been renamed, “The Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center”, in honor of Deputy Darren Almendarez. He was shot and killed on March 31, 2022, when he was off duty and interrupted three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his vehicle, in a grocery store parking lot.”
Harris County Sheriff asks Commissioners Court for additional funding to boost department pay
“With Harris County finalizing next year’s budget in the coming weeks, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is calling on members of Commissioners Court to boost funding at the jail and come up with a plan to increase pay for patrol and detention officers.
Under the budget office’s proposal, which was presented to Commissioners Court on Tuesday, the budget for the jail would grow from $254 million to $291 million, while the sheriff’s office allocation for patrol and administration would increase from $258 million to $290 million.”
Meet ‘The Rook,’ the SWAT vehicle instrumental in ending tense standoff in Humble
“At 7 feet tall, twice the weight of a pickup truck with bulletproof glass and metal, “The Rook” has become an integral part of the Tactical Response Unit at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
“I would say ‘The Rook’ is an absolute gamechanger in law enforcement, for the safety of our personnel and for the safety of citizens,” explained Lt. Bryan Buccini. “We can use negotiations. We can use chemical munitions. We can use robots and drones. This is just another tool in our tool box.””
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez’s Labor Day Playlist
Have you ever wondered what music Sheriff Ed Gonzalez listens to? You don’t have to wonder anymore! Sheriff Gonzalez is sharing his favorite songs leading into the Labor Day weekend.
Plug in your headphones, press play, and let the good vibes flow! Get ready to sing along, dance like nobody’s watching, or simply relax and unwind to some amazing tunes. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day Weekend and thank you for your service!
HCSO Teammates of the Week
Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond.
Congratulations to our Teammates who got awards at the International Association of Crime Analysts
Congratulations to our 29 new Detention Officers on their graduation!
Are you looking for a job? We’re Hiring! Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
HCSO Hosted the First-Ever Women’s Empowerment Center Graduation
Thirty-two incarcerated residents graduated from various programs aimed at preparing them for success once they are released. Congratulations to these women!
WATCH Women’s Empowerment Center: Preparing women for success
We’re sharing the story of Trisha Cornett, a 42-year-old Women’s Empowerment Center incarcerated resident. “The Women’s Empowerment Center has been a life-changing experience,” said Trisha.
HCSO Upcoming Events
National Night Out
We look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities on October 3 and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community.
If your neighborhood plans on participating, please click here to register.
Pedal for the Call!
Do you like to ride bicycles? Join HCSO on September 24, for the Pedal for the Call! The goal is to raise public awareness of police suicides in the nation and raise funds for the nonprofit organization COPLine. Please click here to register.
