John Ellen, Hays County Constable Precinct 5

09/11/2026

25 years ago today, our nation changed forever.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken in an unimaginable act of voilence. We remember those who went to work, boarded a plane, or began an ordinary day never knowing they would not return home. We remember the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and everyday Americans who ran toward danger to help others.

We also remember what happened in the days that followed. Americans came together. We flew our flag proudly. We prayed together, supported our neighbors, and stood united as one nation.

Twenty-five years have passed, but our responsibility to remember remains.

May we never forget those we lost. May we continue to honor the heroes who answered the call that day and those who served our country in the years that followed. And may we never take for granted the freedoms, resilience, and spirit that unite us as Americans.

Today, we remember. We honor. And we will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Today is a good day to slow down, spend a little time with family and friends, and appreciate all the hardworking people who keep our communities going every day.

Whether you’re enjoying a backyard BBQ, spending time on the lake, or just taking advantage of a much-needed day off, I hope you have a wonderful day.

And to everyone who is working today while the rest of us enjoy the holiday — thank you!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day! ❤️🤍💙

07/04/2026

This Independence Day, we proudly celebrate the birth of our nation and the enduring ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity. We honor the generations of Americans whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment have preserved these blessings for us all.

The Fourth of July is more than a celebration of the founding our nation. It is a reminder to us all that strong communities are built through service, respect, and neighbors caring neighbors.

As you celebrate July 4th with your family and friends, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibility we all share to strengthen our communities for future generations.

From all of us at the Hays County Precinct 5 Constable's Office, thank you for the privilege of serving our extraordinary community. We wish you a safe, meaningful, and memorable Independence Day.

May God bless Hays County, the great State of Texas, and the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July!

06/24/2026

Today in Commissioners Court I was honored to accept the Accreditation Certificate from Chief of Police J. P. Bevering of the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). This certificate signifies that the Hays County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office has achieved the required professional best practices standards for law enforcement. The 174 standards deal with such important subjects as use of force, vehicle pursuits, arrest, search and seizure, and training.

This presentation was the culmination of a two year long project to earn accreditation status and ensure that our office maintains the highest level of law enforcement service for our citizens. Among more than 2,700 state, county, and local law enforcement agencies in Texas, including approximately 1,000 constable’s offices, your Hays County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office is now the 231st law enforcement agency, and only the 5th constable’s office to attain accreditation through TPCA.

During the ceremony, the two members of our office who poured their heart and soul into this process, Sergeant Cody Feagan and Deputy Gary Bottoms were awarded the Commendation Medal for their professionalism and dedication in achieving accreditation for our office.

Once again I would like to thank the members of the Hays County Commissioners Court for their consistent and unwavering support of our office and our continuing pursuit of excellence for those we are sworn to protect.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their bravery and selflessness will forever be etched in the heart of our nation. We remember not only their service, but the families who carry their legacy each day.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

May we never take for granted the freedoms purchased at such a great cost. Today, we remember, we honor, and we give thanks. 🇺🇸

03/29/2026

On this Palm Sunday, I’m reminded that real strength is shown through humility, service, and sacrifice. In law enforcement, we see both the worst and the best of humanity, and it is faith that steadies many of us through the long nights and difficult days.

Today is a reminder that no matter how heavy the burden, no matter how long the road, there is purpose in service and hope on the other side of hardship.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Palm Sunday. Stay safe, take care of one another, and may God watch over those who serve and protect.

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate friendship, tradition, and a little Irish luck. As you enjoy the festivities, remember that the best way to celebrate is responsibly.

If you’re heading out tonight, make a plan—designate a driver, call a ride, or stay where you are. Law enforcement will be out working to keep our roads and communities safe.

Celebrate smart, look out for one another, and let’s make sure everyone gets home safely.

Stay safe and enjoy the day! 🍀🚓

03/02/2026

Today we celebrate the courage, conviction, and unwavering spirit that gave birth to the Republic of Texas on March 2, 1836.

From the brave stand at the Alamo to the victory at San Jacinto, the fight for liberty shaped the Texas we know and love today.

May we honor those who fought for liberty by continuing to stand strong for the principles that make Texas exceptional.

Happy Texas Independence Day! 🇨🇱

02/16/2026

“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
— George Washington

Today we honor the leaders who have served our great nation, and we remember that the “sacred fire of liberty” is not self-sustaining. It lives in the hearts of citizens who are willing to stand, serve, and protect it.

Freedom is entrusted to us. May we guard it, strengthen it, and pass it forward with courage.

Happy Presidents’ Day. 🇺🇸