Recognitions

MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

"Promotions & Awards Ceremony" with Patch

October 31, 2023
LONE STAR CONVENTION CENTER
9055 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303
Bluebonnet Room



SO-Badge-Gold

PROMOTIONS & RECOGNITIONS


Administration
Headed by Sheriff Rand Henderson
Jeremiah Richards, Captain, Jail Division
Chad Jamieson, Director, Law Enforcement Services Division

Executive Division
 

Headed by Captain Mac McKelvy
Katricia Hortman, Real Time Crime Center Manager
Jennifer Parker, Intelligence Analyst Supervisor

Administrative Services Division

Headed by Major Tim Cannon
Caleb Cole, Deputy-Specialist
Harry Holman, Deputy-Specialist
Jeffrey Lackey, Deputy-Specialist
Alex Randall, Deputy-Specialist
Enrique Rupert, Deputy-Specialist
Travis Wood, Deputy-Specialist
Hailey Carrera, Background Investigator

Criminal Investigations Division 
Headed by Captain Dan Norris
Mark Wright, Sergeant
Daniel Cox, Crime Scene Investigator

Homeland Security Division
Headed by Captain James Hook
Shawn Beatty, Deputy-Specialist

Jail Division

Headed by Major Andrew Eason
Christopher Ansley, Lieutenant
Jack Armstrong, Lieutenant
Shana Albritton, Detention Sergeant
Andrew Besong, Detention Sergeant
Kevin Ramos, Detention Sergeant
Talisha Raney, Detention Sergeant
Carol Robinson, Detention Sergeant
Cooper Teater, Detention Sergeant


Patrol East Division

Headed by Captain Melvin Franklin
Thomas Hudson, Sergeant
Kyle Koonce, Sergeant
Thomas Lambert, Sergeant
Steven Squier, Sergeant
Corey Cooke, Detective
Richard Stein, Detective

The Woodlands Township Division
Headed by Captain Tim Holifield
Gladys Acosta, Detective
Lindsey Boze, Administrative Assistant

Patrol West Division
Headed by Captain Jimmy Malmay
Jason Davidson, Sergeant
Jason Henson, Sergeant
Jarod Tunstall, Detective
Adam Wright, Detective
Joshua Averitt, Deputy-Specialist
Austin Ennis, Deputy-Specialist




 

AWARDS

Professional & Accountable Awards
Sergeant Celestina ‘Cele’ Rossi

In 2016, Dawn and Antonio Armstrong, Sr. were shot and killed in their Houston home. Their 16 year old son, AJ, was interviewed and subsequently arrested for their murders. In 2023, in preparation for trial, prosecutors contacted Sgt. Rossi for her guidance and expertise in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. During preparation, Sgt. Rossi requested to view physical evidence which was not previously examined. In the final hours before the trial, Sgt. Rossi identified blood evidence that had been preserved for seven years under the adhesive HPD Visitor’s badge on the suspect’s shirt. Due to her diligence and dedication to forensic science, this trial resulted in a guilty verdict and a life sentence for AJ Armstrong. Justice was finally achieved for the senseless murders of Dawn and Antonio Armstrong, Sr.


Accountable Award
Courtney DeLosSantosCoy

On August 24, 2023, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement conducted an extensive audit of the training files at the Clint People’s Training Academy. The audit, which typically takes an entire day, was completed in just two hours thanks to the exceptional performance of Ms. Courtney DeLosSantosCoy, who was responsible for maintaining the records. The Field Agent conducting the audit praised Ms. DeLosSantosCoy for her professionalism and meticulous file-keeping, which made the process very efficient. Ms. DeLosSantosCoy’s outstanding work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to her role at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Academy played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the audit.


Compassionate Award
Deputy Kaliya Williams

On June 13th, 2023, Deputy Kaliya Williams responded to a call from a woman who reported being sexually harassed by her employer. Due to the situation, the woman was visibly distressed and unable to explain the situation clearly. Even still, Deputy Williams listened intently to her concerns and showed genuine empathy, conveying the message that she truly cared about the victim’s well-being. By doing so, Deputy Williams was able to establish a rapport with the victim, which allowed her to share her story more freely. After concluding the investigation, Deputy Williams followed up with the victim to ensure that she had everything she needed and to discuss the options available to her. Her compassionate and sympathetic approach exemplifies the core values of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The victim described Deputy Williams as a ‘saint’ for her caring attitude and sincere concern.


Compassionate Award
Deputy Lizbeth Rodriguez

On May 20, 2023, Deputy Lizbeth Rodriguez responded to a welfare check concerning a suicidal woman who was contemplating jumping off a bridge along Hwy 59. Deputy Rodriguez contacted the woman by phone, engaging her in conversation, and exhibited exceptional initiative by having dispatch track the woman’s cell phone while conducting a search in the area. Through her professionalism and compassion, Deputy Rodriguez established a rapport with the woman and learned that she was currently in Harris County. Rather than redirecting the call to Harris County and concluding her involvement, Deputy Rodriguez remained on the line with the woman and gave frequent updates to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office where she was ultimately located and given the help that she desperately needed. Deputy Rodriguez’s actions are emblematic of the PACT values of professionalism and compassion.


Professional Award
Deputy Donald Dorsey,
Deputy Zachary Kiesel,
Deputy Timothy Silva,
Deputy Japheth Villalobos, &
Deputy Joshua Wright

On August 17, 2023, just after 1:00 AM, The Woodlands Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire that was extending to the homes in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Wright, Silva, Dorsey, Kiesel, and Villalobos were nearby when the call was dispatched and were the first to arrive on the scene. Upon the Deputies’ arrival, they reported a working structure fire in progress. The Deputies alerted the two residents, who were sleeping and unaware of the fire, and safely evacuated them and their dog to the neighbor’s house seconds before the fire would have claimed their lives. These Deputies went above and beyond their duties, and we are very proud of their incredible work.


Professional Award
Deputy Joel Cantu,
Deputy Clay Colson,
Deputy Caadin Hogan,
Deputy Kellar Martin,
Deputy Chris Webb, and
Warrants Specialist Kassandra Covington

On May 4, 2023, at approximately 2:00 AM, the Magnolia Fire Department, Montgomery County Hospital District, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire in Magnolia. While en route to the call, first responders were advised that the female caller was trapped inside. Deputies Webb and Martin were the first units to arrive on scene and forced entry into the house. They quickly realized the house was fully engulfed in flames, and with no protective gear, the smoke and extreme heat forced them to retreat without the victim. Dispatcher Covington stayed on the line with the victim, while she became unconscious, in order to relay to firefighters when they were getting closer to her location by listening for them over the phone. When Deputies Colson, Cantu, and Hogan arrived on scene, they assisted Fire with moving hoses and performing CPR on the unconscious female. The Magnolia Fire Department and Montgomery County Hospital District commended the deputies for their assistance and professionalism. The Deputies did not hesitate to act in a lifesaving manner despite the overwhelming odds they faced.


Lifesaving Award
Detention Officer Jesse Risney

On Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 6:23 PM, Detention Officer Jesse Risney responded to a medical emergency in the Segregated Housing Unit at the Montgomery County Jail. Detention Officer Risney arrived at the location and immediately applied his tourniquet to an inmate who had a large laceration to his right wrist. Detention Officer Risney applied the tourniquet to the highest point possible on the inmate’s right arm which caused the bleeding to stop. Thanks to Detention Officer Risney’s quick thinking and swift action, the inmate survived a potentially fatal injury.


Lifesaving Award
Deputy Dominic Trevino,
Deputy Timothy Williamson, &
Deputy Patrik Wright

On Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM, Deputies Trevino, Williamson, and Wright were dispatched to an attempted suicide call. Upon arrival, they quickly located a wounded male in the back yard with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest. The deputies retrieved their individual first aid kits and immediately began lifesaving measures by applying gauze and chest seals to the male’s chest and back. Medical staff arrived shortly afterward and took over lifesaving measures. Due to the unhesitating actions and team work between Deputies Trevino, Williamson, and Wright a man’s life was saved.


Unit Citation
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit
Sergeant Todd Hoff,
Detective Max Fruchtnicht,
Detective Daniel Garner,
Detective Jeromy Howze,
Detective Joshua Leal,
Detective Michael Lee,
Detective Roman Ramos,
Detective Brannock Snellgrove, &
Detective Audrey Terrell

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) is receiving the Unit Citation Award. The Special Victims Unit is tasked with handling any violent crimes or sexual assaults of children under the age of thirteen. In the past five years, the Detectives assigned to SVU have reviewed over 16,000 Child Protective Service reports and investigated over 1,300 of the most heinous crimes imaginable. In that time, these men and women have arrested and charged over 400 child predators with these defendants receiving over 2,500 combined years in prison. The Detectives of the Special Victims Unit are the gold standard for those dedicated to standing between the most innocent of victims and the most despicable criminals.


Unit Citation
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office ALERRT & AAIR Trainers
Lieutenant Keith Funderburk,
Lieutenant John Sanchez,
Sergeant Rico Cano,
Sergeant Jason Henson,
Sergeant Joshua Hilado,
Sergeant Chris Roberts,
Detective Chantal Ward,
Detective Shelby Yow,
Specialist David Haines,
Deputy-Specialist Brandon Boyd,
Deputy-Specialist Edward Fisher,
Deputy-Specialist James Hulse,
Deputy-Specialist Luis Macias,
Deputy-Specialist Jordan PanKratz,
Deputy-Specialist Landon Slatter,
Deputy-Specialist Steven Thomas,
Deputy-Specialist Eric Ward,
Deputy-Specialist Ashlie Wilson,
Deputy Richard Ashmore,
Deputy Danny Dickson, &
Deputy Corbin Rowe

In January of 2023, a few dedicated instructors, volunteered to work beyond their normal course of duties for the betterment of their fellow officers and the enhanced public safety of their community. These men and women were tasked with instructing peace officers in the ALERRT Level 1 course, as well as training law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel in the Active Attack Integrated Response Course (AAIR). Since they began this mission, over 432 peace officers and 240 Firefighters/EMS have been trained in Active Attack Integrated Response and 208 peace officers have completed ALERRT Level 1 training.

Due to these instructors’ efforts, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and many other first responders have greatly enhanced preparedness for an active shooter response. This valuable training has further facilitated the coordination and collaboration between Law Enforcement Officers, Fire, and EMS which is imperative to saving lives when seconds count.


Unit Citation
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center
Manager Katricia Hortman,
Intelligence Analyst Supervisor Jennifer Parker,
Intelligence Analyst Jacob Butler,
Intelligence Analyst Jennifer Clausen,
Intelligence Analyst Lori Coberley,
Intelligence Analyst Rocio Espinoza,
Intelligence Analyst Teresa Stone, &
Intelligence Analyst Angela Voss

On August 23, 2023, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was asked to assist with an investigation into a series of armed robberies plaguing Montgomery County. Through hours of meticulous work, analysts were able to identify the alleged suspect and his vehicle.
Throughout the process of this investigation, the analysts communicated regularly with the detectives, tracked new patterns of behavior for the suspect, and continued to work on all the other cases assigned to the unit.

With the assistance of information gathered by the Real Time Crime Center, MCSO SWAT and The Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force were able to locate and arrest the suspect on September 8, 2023. This suspect is currently still in the Montgomery County Jail in connection with twelve armed robberies.
We are very proud of the analysts in the Real Time Crime Center for their dedication and hard work on this case.


PACT Award of Excellence
Chaplain Jake Gonzales

Chaplain Gonzales was appointed a Patrol Chaplain for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 and has served in that capacity for seventeen years. Previous to that, he served as an MCSO Jail Chaplain from 1997 to 2004, and again from 2011 to 2013. During his service, he has quietly, yet efficiently served the employees of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the citizens of Montgomery County by providing outstanding personal service in many ways. Chaplain Gonzales has sat in the passenger seat of countless patrol vehicles during hundreds of ride-a-longs and built relationships with many that endure to this day.

Chaplain Gonzales has never stood in the spotlight or garnished attention. He is one of those stalwart “behind-the-scenes” troops who continuously contribute to our team’s effort to make an event or a life better. He has offered his solid counsel to untold numbers of people, many of whom have given public testimony to supervisors of his credibility, humility, and professionalism.

Chaplain Gonzales is a volunteer and has never received any monetary compensation for his commitment to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. His love for our law enforcement family is well-known, and his expertise is counted on by many. Regardless of his circumstances, he is always thinking of the deputies of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and we want to remind him that he is one of us, and his long-standing dedication will never be forgotten.


Combat Cross
Deputy Nicholas Kallaher &
Deputy Darren Peterson

On Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 12:30 AM, Deputy Kallaher and Deputy Peterson were dispatched to a disturbance call in reference to a male outside of a residence with a long gun. Upon arrival, they immediately engaged with a male fitting the description given by the 911 caller. Deputies took a position of cover and began instructing the male to put the firearm on the ground. The male raised the firearm in the direction of the Deputies at which time both Deputies discharged their weapons, wounding the male and ending the threat to the public. Deputies Kallaher and Peterson were able to secure the male and began providing lifesaving measures immediately. No citizens were harmed by the suspect’s actions.

Due to their willingness to engage an armed suspect and place themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the community, Deputy Kallaher and Deputy Peterson have each been awarded the Combat Cross.