A Life Committed to Service
When I started my career in public safety with the City of Austin back in 2006, I had no idea the ride I was in for. I came into the job full of energy, eager to serve, and driven by a sense of duty that was sparked during a single ride-along my final semester at Texas A&M. That experience shifted my path entirely—I had planned to go into medicine. But that one night on patrol showed me something I couldn’t ignore: the real, tangible impact of law enforcement in people’s lives. It was fast-paced, challenging, and filled with purpose. I was hooked.
Over the years, I was fortunate to hold a wide range of assignments within the Austin Police Department. From patrol to investigations, strategic intelligence to street narcotics, and eventually, leading the Training Division—I saw the inner workings of policing at every level. I had the privilege of guiding recruitment, training, and career development for over 2,300 sworn and civilian employees. It was more than a job—it was a calling. And I took seriously the responsibility of mentoring young officers, setting high standards, and representing the badge with honor.
But after nearly two decades in public service, I began to sense that it was time to take my skills in a new direction.
Answering a New Call
In 2024, I launched Black Onyx Investigations, LLC, stepping into the world of private security and investigative services. Making the leap from public service to private enterprise wasn’t something I did on a whim. It was a thoughtful decision rooted in years of observation, learning, and prayer. I saw an opportunity not only to continue serving people, but also to help raise the bar in an industry that’s often misunderstood.
Private security can play a critical role in safeguarding communities, businesses, and individuals—especially in times of increased uncertainty and evolving threats. But I knew that if I were going to step into this space, I had to do it with the same level of integrity, professionalism, and leadership that had guided me in my law enforcement career. That meant building a company grounded in ethics, accountability, and trust.
For me, Black Onyx isn’t just a business—it’s a mission. We’re not just providing services. We’re offering peace of mind, discreet expertise, and a standard of excellence that reflects everything I’ve learned from nearly 20 years in public service.
Integrity Is the Foundation
The biggest misconception I hear about people who leave law enforcement to start private ventures is that they’re “cashing out”—that they’ve lost their sense of service. But that couldn’t be further from the truth in my case. I may have stepped away from the badge, but I didn’t walk away from my core values.
Integrity still drives everything I do. Whether it’s conducting background investigations, offering executive protection, or managing complex cases, I hold myself—and my team—to the highest standards. My years in the public sector taught me the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability. Those principles don’t go away just because you change uniforms. In fact, they become even more important when your name is on the company.
One of the things I’ve prioritized is ensuring that our clients know exactly who they’re working with. We take pride in our professionalism, and we don’t cut corners. It’s not about making a quick dollar. It’s about building a business that lasts—and more importantly, one that serves people well.
Leadership That Listens
One thing I carried with me from my time as a Training Commander was the belief that real leadership is about listening. It’s about engaging with your team, empowering them to succeed, and creating a culture of trust. That same leadership philosophy now guides how I run Black Onyx.
We’re in the process of expanding our services to include executive protection, which is a natural next step for our team. But we’re not just chasing trends—we’re building meaningful relationships with clients and professionals who share our vision. I make it a point to remain hands-on, to mentor new team members, and to stay grounded in the “why” behind our work.
This transition hasn’t been without challenges. Any entrepreneur will tell you that the private sector comes with its own set of hurdles—marketing, operations, financial strategy. But I’m a student of the process. I’ve gone back to school for my MBA. I’ve completed certifications from Harvard and FBI-LEEDA. And I believe in continual growth, just as I expected from the officers I trained during my APD career.
A Purpose That Doesn’t End
What I’ve realized in this new chapter is that service doesn’t end when you leave the public sector—it just evolves. I’m still showing up every day to protect, lead, and solve problems. I’m still helping people make decisions in difficult moments. And I’m still driven by a deep desire to make an impact.
If anything, this move into private security has reminded me of how important it is to be flexible while staying rooted in your values. My transition wasn’t about leaving something behind—it was about building something new that reflects everything I’ve learned along the way.
Whether you’re in law enforcement, the private sector, or somewhere in between, the goal is the same: serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and never stop growing.
That’s what Black Onyx stands for—and that’s what I’ll continue to stand for, wherever the road takes me next.