"These students are the future of Texas law enforcement. We're proud to play a small part in their journey."
The strength of tomorrow’s law enforcement community begins today, often in places like a high school classroom in El Paso, Texas. That’s where retired officer Joseph Garcia is planting the seeds of leadership and service, one student at a time.
After serving 22 years with the El Paso Police Department, Mr. Garcia knew exactly where he wanted to go next, the classroom. “I always knew I wanted to teach high school,” he says. “I really wanted to be a cop first, but I kept my eye on this path as retirement approached.” With nearly two decades of experience as a TCOLE-certified (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) instructor, teaching criminal justice was a natural next step. Today, he teaches criminal justice and leads the law enforcement club program that prepares young cadets not just with knowledge, but with confidence and purpose.
His approach is grounded in real-world preparation. Students in the program engage in everything from mock traffic stops to forensic science and agility drills. Competitions through SkillsUSA and local events offer a stage to apply their training. The upcoming October competition is already circled on many calendars.
When Mr. Garcia reached out to DUTYMAN® for support, the request was simple: he needed field-ready duty belts and accessories for his cadets, that fit. But the impact? Far more profound. Equipping students with proper gear isn’t just about function, it’s about identity. It tells a student, "You belong here."
Each donated item will be used by cadets active in the Law Enforcement Club, then passed on to future classes. This creates a cycle of support, ensuring that every student who steps into the program starts with the right tools and a shared sense of purpose.
The criminal justice program draws students from all walks of life. Some arrive out of curiosity. Others come with a clear career vision. Many find their path along the way. “Students may not be interested in college,” Garcia notes, “but they may be very interested in a certification they can start working with right after graduation.” Career-ready pathways in law enforcement and emergency response offer real opportunities and real meaning. One of his students was just accepted into the FBI Academy, which is a very distinctive achievement for the student and the program.
His advice to students is threefold: “Physically, never give up. Ethically, do the right thing even when no one’s watching. Mentally, take care of yourself. Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of the job. Get help if you need it.”
Just three years into teaching, the results are visible. Students are growing into leaders. They’re learning the values that matter: service, integrity, and resilience. And Garcia is still drawing lessons from his own mentors. “My field training officer once reminded me that we can’t solve everything in a single call,” he recalls, “but we can always serve and protect to the best of our ability.”
Starting in 2026, DUTYMAN® will begin an annual tradition during National Police Week: each year, we will donate gear to a single outstanding high school program in Texas, like this one. It's a small gesture to honor educators, like Mr. Joseph Garcia, guiding tomorrow’s officers and to support the cadets stepping forward with courage and drive to explore this honorable profession.
To the students of El Paso and beyond: we see your effort. We respect your commitment. And we hope these duty belts and accessories give you the confidence needed to make it to the next level in your education and remind you that your future in this profession matters.
To all students and individuals planning on pursuing a career in law enforcement: from all of us at DUTYMAN®, we thank you for deciding to pursue a career where you can protect, serve and positively contribute to your communities. Stay focused, stay driven, and lead with purpose.