Three Lubbock County Deputies Honored at Texas Jail Association Conference

The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating some major recognition after three of its own were honored at this year’s Texas Jail Association Conference.

What is the Texas Jail Association Conference?

Held in San Marcos, the 39th Annual TJA Conference brought together law enforcement professionals from across the state to recognize excellence in county corrections. At the awards ceremony on May 1st, the TJA Board of Directors, after reviewing nominations from departments all over Texas, announced three top honors for Lubbock County officers.

Who Received Awards?

Deputy K. Garrett and Deputy A. Chavez were jointly awarded the Detention Officer of the Year – Valor Award, a distinction reserved for acts of bravery and quick thinking under pressure. According to the TJA, the Valor Award is presented to officers who “demonstrated courage or valor in the face of danger while in the performance of official duties.”

That’s exactly what happened on November 8, 2024, when Deputies Garrett and Chavez were in Montgomery County, Tennessee, performing their regular duties as transport officers. Upon entering a facility, they spotted an inmate attempting to escape through an open door. Without hesitation, they pursued and intercepted the inmate as they tried to climb a perimeter fence. The situation was handled without injury, thanks to the deputies’ calm and decisive action.

The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office praised the two deputies for their courage and composure, calling the award a well-deserved acknowledgment of their commitment to safety and service.

More Awards!

Also honored was Officer E. Gonzales, who was named the Texas Jail Association’s Detention Officer of the Year. Gonzales, a member of the Lubbock County Detention Center since 2010, plays a vital role in the Inmate Work Program — a rehabilitation initiative that teaches inmates job skills to help them reintegrate into society after release.

Officer Gonzales has helped countless inmates transition to stable employment, and his efforts have contributed to lowering recidivism rates in our region. Beyond his work with inmates, he’s also widely respected as a mentor to new officers and a leader in training and professional development.

Sheriff Kelly Rowe expressed his department’s full support and pride in all three award recipients, stating:

“Their dedication to duty, professionalism, and compassion is what truly sets them apart.”

Congratulations to Deputies Garrett, Chavez, and Officer Gonzales for their outstanding service to our community.