FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2026
TCSO Garners Prestigious Best Practices Award from Texas Association of Counties
Media is invited to a briefing in which Sheriff Hernandez and program representatives will share information about this innovative program and answer questions.
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Court presentation (approximately 11:30 am)
Briefing to follow in Commissioners Court
WHERE:
Travis County Commissioners Court, 700 Lavaca
WHO:
Sally Hernandez, Travis County Sheriff
Karen Ranus, Trauma Informed Program Administrator, TCSO
Cindy Long, Chief Executive Officer, Samaritan Center Austin
Texas Association of Counties has chosen TCSO’s POWR Program as a recipient of its prestigious County Best Practices Award. Honorees are selected every two years by the organization, and TCSO is one of only 11 recipients in the entire state.
First responders routinely respond to high stress and often traumatizing situations. Deputies, Corrections Officers, Forensic Services, Victim Services, Law Enforcement Specialists and more, work incidents and investigations of crimes and tragedies as their daily job, and it takes a toll on them and their families.
TCSO’s innovative POWR Program provides 10 free and anonymous sessions of individual therapy (including EMDR), acupuncture or couples therapy per budget year for all interested TCSO employees. Through the POWR program, employees also have access to one free Annual Check-In, an opportunity to stay ahead of work and life challenges before they become something bigger. POWR makes it easy for TCSO employees to get support in processing and overcoming traumatic events and chronic stress stemming from work and life challenges.
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Submitted By:
Kristen Dark, Sr. Public Information Officer | (512) 854-4986
Drew Knight, Public Information Specialist | (512) 854-8426