Kenedy County Sheriff's Office

08/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2026

Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Ramon “Ray” Salinas III

From Deputy to Border Patrol Agent
The Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office proudly congratulates Reserve Deputy Ricardo Platas on his successful graduation from the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, earning the title of United States Border Patrol Agent.

For approximately six months, Deputy Platas has dedicated himself to the demanding academy process, completing extensive training in federal law enforcement, physical fitness, fi****ms, defensive tactics, emergency response, driving, field operations, and other skills required of a Border Patrol Agent.

This accomplishment continues a record of service we were proud to recognize earlier this year when Deputy Platas was presented a Life Saving Commendation for his actions during a mental health crisis involving a U.S. veteran. His compassion, patience, and commitment to preserving life reflected the kind of peace officer and person we have come to know.

Although this new chapter takes his full-time career into federal service, Deputy Platas continues his service to Kenedy County as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

His experience with both agencies strengthens the relationships, knowledge, and cooperation that are especially important in a South Texas border county. Our citizens benefit when the men and women serving them bring experience from across local, state, and federal law enforcement while continuing to remain connected to the communities they serve.

Sheriff Salinas and the men and women of the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office congratulate Border Patrol Agent and Reserve Deputy Ricardo Platas on this well-earned accomplishment.

We are proud to have him remain a member of our team and look forward to watching the next chapter of his career unfold.

Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
Working Together. Protecting Texas.

08/14/2026

August 14, 2026



KCSO Personnel Complete Field Training Officer Course

The Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Telecommunicator Molano and Deputy Villarreal have successfully completed the TCOLE #3702 Field Training Officer Course, hosted by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in Edinburg, Texas.

The 24 hour Field Training Officer course prepares experienced public safety personnel to take on one of the most important responsibilities within an agency: training, mentoring, and evaluating the next generation of law enforcement.

The course covers instructional and communication techniques, coaching and counseling, standardized performance evaluation, remedial training, and proper documentation.

For our Sheriff's Office, having trained Field Training Officers in both patrol and telecommunications strengthens our ability to develop new personnel across two critical sides of public safety. When someone new joins our team, experienced employees provide structured guidance while helping ensure that agency expectations, procedures, professionalism, and institutional knowledge are passed forward consistently.

We congratulate TCO Molano and Deputy Villarreal on their accomplishment and thank them for accepting the responsibility of helping prepare those who will serve alongside us in the future.

As we continue investing in the professional development of our personnel, we continue investing in the level of service we provide to the citizens of Kenedy County.

Working Together. Protecting Texas.
Kenedy County Sheriff's Office

08/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
August 12, 2026

Sheriff Ramon “Ray” Salinas III

The Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that Deputy Andrew Mendez has completed the required Texas Public Information Officer training and has been designated as the Sheriff’s Office point of contact for media and public information inquiries.

This training fulfills requirements established under Texas law for designated Public Information Officers and strengthens the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to provide accurate, timely, coordinated, and accessible information to the public during both day-to-day operations and emergency incidents.

The Texas Public Information Officer course was conducted at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center and brought together law enforcement, school, college, emergency management, and other public-sector professionals from across the region.

Participants received instruction in emergency communications, the National Incident Management System, Incident Command System, media relations, information gathering and verification, rumor management, interagency coordination, public messaging, and crisis communications.

The course culminated in a capstone exercise involving a simulated mass-casualty incident. Participants were required to gather and verify rapidly developing information, coordinate with multiple agencies, prepare holding statements and public safety messages, respond to media inquiries, and conduct media briefings under simulated emergency conditions.

Throughout the summer, our deputies have continued working hard to maintain required training while pursuing additional opportunities to sharpen their skills and expand the capabilities of the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office.

This latest training strengthens our ability not only to respond when our community needs us, but also to ensure that during an emergency the right information reaches the right people at the right time.

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Deputy Andrew Mendez
Public Information Officer
Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
[email protected]

Working Together. Protecting Texas.

08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
August 6, 2026

On behalf of Sheriff Ramon “Ray” Salinas III

Deputies from the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in the Aransas Pass Police /Independent School District Full-Scale Active Shooter Exercise alongside local, state, and federal public safety partners.

The realistic exercise challenged first responders to coordinate their response to a rapidly evolving critical incident while strengthening communication, decision-making, and interagency cooperation under stressful conditions.

Over the past several months, the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office has remained committed to ensuring deputies not only meet all required state training standards but also pursue advanced training opportunities that enhance our readiness to respond to the unexpected.

Whether through active threat response, emergency medical training, interagency exercises, or continuing professional development, our deputies continue investing in the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the citizens of Kenedy County.

Training is not a one-time event it is a continuous commitment to preparedness.

We appreciate the Aransas Pass Independent School District, the Aransas Pass Police Department, and all participating agencies for hosting this valuable training opportunity and for their continued partnership in strengthening public safety across South Texas.

The men and women of the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to protecting life, serving with professionalism, and standing ready whenever our community calls.

Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office

Working Together. Protecting Texas.

07/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenedy County Sheriff's Office

On behalf of Sheriff Ramon "Ray" Salinas III

Deputies with the Kenedy County Sheriff's Office recently completed the ALERRT First Responder Medical (FRM) course hosted by the Aransas Pass Police Department.

This nationally recognized training focused on lifesaving medical care during high-threat incidents, emphasizing rapid bleeding control, casualty assessment, emergency casualty, evacuation, and coordination between law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Throughout the course, deputies participated in realistic, scenario based exercises designed to strengthen decision making, teamwork, and communication under stressful conditions.

One of the culminating training events challenged responding officers to rescue and transport an injured officer by patrol vehicle while simultaneously providing lifesaving medical care, maintaining radio communications, and safely operating an emergency vehicle to definitive medical care.

Training alongside neighboring agencies provided valuable opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships, share best practices, and enhance interoperability among first responders who may one day respond together during a critical incident.

The Kenedy County Sheriff's Office remains committed to continual training and professional development to ensure our deputies are prepared to respond confidently, effectively, and compassionately when our community needs us most.

Kenedy County Sheriff's Office
Working Together, Protecting Texas

06/29/2026

06/26/2026

Today, we received news of the passing of a longtime colleague, Kleberg County Constable Pct No. 4 Amando O. Vidal. He was known to some of us both personally and in our law enforcement profession for many years.

Our sincerest condolences to his family and his constituents who placed their trust in him as their Constable for 28 years
(1998 - 2026) ... Rest in Peace Sir

Send a message to learn more

06/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office
May 20, 2026

On behalf of Sheriff Ramon “Ray” Salinas III

Deputies with the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office, alongside firefighters from Kenedy County Fire & Emergency Services District #01 and personnel from Willacy County EMS, recently met with HALO-Flight Outreach Educator Wendy Greer for Landing Zone Safety training for first responders.

The training detailed critical aspects of air medical operations including: patient transport criteria, HALO activation procedures, the role of the Landing Zone Officer, evaluating and preparing safe landing areas, communicating with aircraft, scene control, and hazards unique to air medical emergency response.

As the primary air ambulance service for Kenedy County, HALO-Flight remains a vital resource in ensuring rapid medical transport and advanced emergency care for first responders, citizens, and travelers across the vast and remote areas of South Texas.

At the conclusion of the training, a helicopter landing zone was established adjacent to the fire department, allowing first responders the opportunity to speak directly with pilots and flight crew members to better understand the operational challenges of air medical EMS.

Also in attendance were members of our Telecommunications Division, commonly known as dispatchers. This training enhanced our office-wide capability to safely coordinate air medical operations and ensure accurate, timely information is relayed to HALO personnel. Dispatchers stated the training helped them better visualize field operations and reinforced the importance of gathering and communicating critical information during emergency incidents.

Due to the remote geography of Kenedy County, air ambulance services have proven at times to be a lifesaving resource for our community and visitors traveling through our county.

We extend our gratitude to the Honorable County Judge Charles “Chuck” Burns for attending the training and for his continued support in ensuring our deputies and first responders maintain the tools, training, and operational edge necessary for whatever situation may arise.

As we continue training with our interagency partners, we strengthen teamwork, coordination, and safe operations so that everyone involved has the best opportunity to return home safely at the end of the day.

The first responders of Kenedy County stand ready to serve with steadfast professionalism, courage, and commitment whenever our community calls.

06/01/2026

On behalf of Sheriff Ramon “Ray” Salinas III

Deputies with the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office, alongside firefighters from Kenedy County Fire & Emergency Services District #01 and personnel from Willacy County EMS, recently met with HALO-Flight Outreach Educator Wendy Greer for Landing Zone Safety training for first responders.

The training detailed critical aspects of air medical operations including: patient transport criteria, HALO activation procedures, the role of the Landing Zone Officer, evaluating and preparing safe landing areas, communicating with aircraft, scene control, and hazards unique to air medical emergency response.

As the primary air ambulance service for Kenedy County, HALO-Flight remains a vital resource in ensuring rapid medical transport and advanced emergency care for first responders, citizens, and travelers across the vast and remote areas of South Texas.

At the conclusion of the training, a helicopter landing zone was established adjacent to the fire department, allowing first responders the opportunity to speak directly with pilots and flight crew members to better understand the operational challenges of air medical EMS.

Also in attendance were members of our Telecommunications Division, commonly known as dispatchers. This training enhanced our office-wide capability to safely coordinate air medical operations and ensure accurate, timely information is relayed to HALO personnel. Dispatchers stated the training helped them better visualize field operations and reinforced the importance of gathering and communicating critical information during emergency incidents.

Due to the remote geography of Kenedy County, air ambulance services have proven at times to be a lifesaving resource for our community and visitors traveling through our county.

We extend our gratitude to the Honorable County Judge Charles “Chuck” Burns for attending the training and for his continued support in ensuring our deputies and first responders maintain the tools, training, and operational edge necessary for whatever situation may arise.

As we continue training with our interagency partners, we strengthen teamwork, coordination, and safe operations so that everyone involved has the best opportunity to return home safely at the end of the day.

The first responders of Kenedy County stand ready to serve with steadfast professionalism, courage, and commitment whenever our community calls.