A Special Tribute to Joel Cowand     

            “To the world you might be just one person, but to one person you might just be the world.”

            Almost twenty years ago, when the FM 1960 area was still relatively new, Cypresswood Subdivision needed someone to help provide accurate security information to residents and handle the numerous details of their Contract Deputy Program. Along came Joel Cowand, as usual a willing volunteer, she decided that she may have the energy and interest to devote to this twenty-sour hour a day job.

            There were no written guidelines as there are today and Joel, along with other Security Coordinators, questioned what types of crimes were taking place in other subdivisions along the FM 1960 corridor. She soon found out the Security Coordinator position was like any other job, it is what you put into the job that makes the difference along with strong communication to residents, Sheriff’s Deputies, and other subdivisions.

            Out of this need for intra-community knowledge, NEWSCA was formed to help form a strong alliance for on-going conversations between the Sheriff’s Department and other Security Coordinators. Cypresswood Subdivision, with Joel’s guidance, became a strong advocate of NWSCA along with Huntwick, Ponderosa, Westador, Olde Oaks, Oak Creek, Fountainhead, and Champions to understand the needs of police protection along the FM 1960 corridor.

            When Joel became a volunteer Security Coordinator, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, District One had only 39 deputies assigned to the Cypresswood Substation location. By today’s standards that is almost unbelievable that so few protected so many and as more communities were started they soon saw the need for supplemental police protection to ensure the protection of their residents.

            Joel took her responsibility for the safety of her subdivision seriously and was always looking for unique ways to keep her residents current with any criminal activity. She established “strobe lights” to alert residents to major crimes. These “strobe lights” were strategically located on the outside perimeter of Cypresswood so residents would be able to see the lights in a timely manner and call the “hot line.” Plus, Joel worked very closely with the tennis group, their swimming pool manager, as well as the block captain system to coordinate security information to each identified group in Cypresswood. Each person or organization received her undivided attention as they were advised of how to help improve security and what actually was taking place – not rumored. A strong community network was taking place with each person having the same common theme – keep our residents and children safe from crime.

            Recently, Harris County Sheriff’s Department presented Joel Cowand with a plaque as a token of their appreciation for her outstanding dedication to duty. One can only guess the number of meals interrupted, calls late into the night or early in the morning that consumed her time. Each caller was given her undivided attention and when Joel said she would call you back with information she did her best to do just that.

            Joel held several offices in the North West Security Coordinators’ Association to help get information out to anyone interested in improving their homeowner’s security program. Joel is a personal friend of the many deputies who were fortunate to work in Cypresswood Subdivision plus she has many amusing stories to share. She remains a dynamic supporter of the Sheriff’s Department as she takes time off to enjoy her family and devote more time to the many community programs she is involved in around the area. 

            Joel Cowand, along with her family, deserves the very best for the future. Joel gave to her community what money cannot buy – she gave her time in the hopes of helping someone else.