HIGHLANDS – Constable Eagleton met with the Highlands Rotary club, last week, to present information about his department and public safety concerns in the Highlands area.
Eagleton brought with him seven members of his command staff, to answer questions in their particular area. Included were chief deputy Kirk Bonsal, and Lt. Warden of the Environmental division.
Eagleton is enlarging his department’s capabilities, with federal funds secured after Hurricane Harvey in the amount of $3.5 million dollars. For high water rescues, he has added 10 Hummers, several boats, an airboat, and three deuce high water trucks. He said that during Harvey, his department made 5000 rescues.
He has also added quite a few deputies to his staff. When he took over in 2016, there were 122 officers and there are now 170.
Capt. Isaac Villareal, in charge of the crime interdiction unit, described his department’s goals to decrease crime and confiscate drugs. The department has an anonymous Tip Line, 832-927-8477. For regular dispatch, call 281- 427-4791 or 911.
Eagleton said they have a program to help the homeless, taking them to a treatment center or shelter for help.
Lt. Warden spoke on environmental issues, and especially littering and illegal dumping. With the help of citizen information, they can issue felony citations.
Another popular program, Eagleton said, is their Senior Wellness program. This is a welfare check for live-alone seniors. Run by Major D. Jones, is is also vital to get aid in hurricanes and floods.The phone for this program is 713-274-2500.
Eagleton is a 25 year veteran law enforcement officer, a deputy at Precinct 3 since 1993. He was born in Barrett Station and is very familiar with the area.
He emphasizes that crime prevention is a Team effort, and “Always Aware, Always Prepared.”