HCSO Newsletter #184 - Honoring a Hero | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of Deputy Investigator John H. Coddou, who tragically passed away while bravely serving his community. Deputy Coddou was assisting at a crash scene when he was struck by a vehicle, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him. | |
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Deputy Coddou's dedication to duty spanned two decades of unwavering service with the agency. He began his journey in 2003 as a detention officer, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the law. This resulted in him rising through the ranks, becoming a deputy in 2005, and eventually serving in the Violent Crimes Unit as a Crimes Against Persons Investigator.
Throughout his career, Deputy Coddou's selfless actions and tireless efforts profoundly impacted the community he served and the colleagues he worked alongside. Whether patrolling the streets of District 4 in West Harris County or investigating crimes against individuals, Deputy Coddou approached his duties with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
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As we come to terms with the loss of a beloved teammate and friend, our hearts go out to Deputy Coddou's wife, family, friends, and fellow deputies. Their loss is immeasurable, and we share in their grief during this incredibly difficult time.
The funeral service for Deputy John Coddou will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Second Baptist Church - West Campus, 19449 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77094. Full Police Honors to follow after the service.
Deputy Investigator John H. Coddou leaves behind a legacy of service and sacrifice that will be remembered and honored by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his profound impact on the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the community he served with distinction.
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WATCH:Media Briefing From Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Regarding Fallen Deputy Investigator John H. Coddou | |
HCSO Participates in the 10th Annual Missing in Southeast Texas Day | |
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This Saturday, April 27, marks the 10th Annual Missing in Southeast Day, organized by the Texas Center for the Missing. This event is being held with various community partners, including law enforcement agencies like the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department. Each year, this event gives hope to families struggling with the uncertainty of a missing loved one. It provides a platform for families to connect with law enforcement, social service organizations, and other support groups.
Major Saul Suarez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office joined the Texas Center for the Missing to promote the Missing in Southeast Texas Day, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2500 Bolsover St.
Missing in Southeast Texas Day helps those with missing loved ones make connections to help bring them home.
In 2023, Harris County witnessed a staggering 2,855 new missing person cases. Among these cases, 686 were missing persons, 1,874 were runaways, and 295 were child custody disputes. As of now in the current year, we've received 1,137 cases, including 156 missing persons, 407 runaways, and 206 child custody cases. Despite our efforts, we've only closed 796 cases so far, which shows the need for increased awareness and action in addressing this issue.
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Missing person cases can also include victims of kidnapping or other violent crimes, and persons with mental disabilities who have wandered. To illustrate our commitment to locating missing youths, we conducted two Runaway Round-Up Operations. These operations targeted youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who had fled their homes. In August 2023, 30 runaways were recovered, followed by an additional 16 in January 2024. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our investigators, all of these youths were safely reunited with their guardians.
At Missing in Southeast Day, families can expect a range of services and support:
- The Harris County Sheriff's Office and Houston Police Department will be on hand to take reports for missing persons and updates from families.
- Representatives will enter missing person information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), enhancing our collective efforts to reunite families.
- Forensic professionals will be available to collect voluntary familial DNA samples, a crucial step in identifying missing individuals.
- Bilingual staff will be present to assist Spanish speakers in accessing resources and completing missing person reports.
To expedite the process, attendees should bring a photo ID, photos of the missing person with identifying features, X-rays, dental records, medical records, or any other identifying documents for the disappeared person, and two biological relatives.
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Remember, there's no need to wait 24 hours to file a missing person's report. For more information about the event, please visit centerforthemissing.org, email support@tcftm.org, or call 713-599-0235.
To all the families enduring the pain of a missing loved one, our hearts are with you. We stand alongside you in your search for answers and resolution.
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WATCH: Missing in Southeast Texas Day | | |
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Law enforcement gathered Thursday morning to escort the body of a Harris County deputy who was killed in the line of duty to a funeral home.
Deputy John Hampton Coddou, 50, was hit and killed by a truck after he had stopped to help with a crash on the Grand Parkway on Tuesday. Coddou had served with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for 20 years.
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A previously missing 17-year-old teen in Harris County has been found safe.
According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Taylor DeShawn was located after going missing on Monday from the 12800 block of Medfield Drive near Howelville.
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On March 26, Calvin "CJ" Jackson Jr. was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight while playing outside an apartment complex.
The person who shot CJ has still not been caught. Anyone with information on the shooter is urged to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover CJ's medical expenses.
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Harris County Sheriff's Office Teammates 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. | |
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"On 4/9/24, our vehicle was stolen. After reporting it, Deputy Brian Kelly located our vehicle and stayed with it until we arrived. He did everything possible to assist us in trying to get the car started. When the wrecker driver wanted to take it to his lot, Deputy Kelly assisted in finding a dealership that was open late where we could have it taken, to avoid any extra storage charges. He was professional, courteous, kind, and helpful, even calling a few days later to check on how things were going in getting our vehicle repaired and to see if he could assist us any further," said a Harris County resident. "He went above and beyond what we could have hoped for, and we are very thankful for people like him who are willing to serve in what is often a dangerous and thankless job protecting our community!"
Deputy Kelly joined HCSO in 2013 and is currently assigned to patrol District 2 in North Harris County.
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Are you interested in starting a career in law enforcement? The Harris County Sheriff's Office invites you to our upcoming Career Fair that will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 4, at the HCSO Academy, located at 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, TX 77396.
To be eligible for these positions, candidates must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. This event is open to the public, and no prior experience is necessary!
For more information about career opportunities at HCSO, please visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250. We hope to see y'all there!
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The only real crisis is not taking advantage of the Texas Tax Holiday savings! Prepare for tax-free purchases of crucial emergency supplies. Check out the items you can snag next weekend sales tax-free! | |
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Do you have unused prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet? Join the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at one of our two locations:
HCSO Patrol District 2 Substation at 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, Texas 77338, or HCSO Patrol District 5 Substation at 23828 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, Texas 77375.
For more info, visit http://dea.gov/takebackday.
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Harris County Peace Officers' Memorial Service | |
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The Harris County Peace Officers' Memorial Service: Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Crime Stoppers of Houston to honor and remember our fallen heroes — gone but never forgotten.
To learn more about our fallen heroes, please visit harriscountyso.org.
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Demin Day for Sexual Assault Awareness | |
On April 24, HCSO observed Denim Day to increase awareness about sexual assault, combat victim blaming, and educate others about sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 713-274-9369. | |
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Attention all Senior Citizens! Come enjoy a game of Lotería with a cop. This event will be held at 10 a.m., on May 3, 2024, at the Alief Community Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072.
This is a great way to bring law enforcement and the community together. Expect to enjoy Lotería, win prizes, sip coffee, and have snacks. See you there!
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Do you have an alarm system in unincorporated Harris County? If so, you need an alarm permit that must be renewed annually.
For more information, call 713-755-4600 or visit https://www.hcsoalarmpermit.com/.
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HCSO Newsletter #183 - Bravery Beyond the Badge: Celebrating Courage at the Commendations Ceremony | HCSO Newsletter #183 - Bravery Beyond the Badge: Celebrating Courage at the Commendations Ceremony Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage | | | | | | |
