For Patrol Lt. James Schmidt of the Boerne Police Department, service to the community has been his driving motivation.
But before he got behind the wheel of a patrol car, he manned a lawn mower with Boerne Parks and Recreation for two years, keeping our open spaces fresh and inviting for parkgoers. After considering the military, he decided to apply for the police academy after getting to know several officers and joining them on ride outs. He joined Boerne PD in 2015 as a patrolman and advanced in the department over the years.
As lieutenant, Schmidt manages the four sergeants and oversees the four patrol shifts. His work includes coordinating schedules and training for patrol officers, as well as making sure they have the necessary tools for the job. He also leads the department’s Negotiations Team and manages its fleet.
Lt. Schmidt said he’s never had a job he enjoys more than policing, noting that every day brings something new and different. Through his work at the department, he has seen some of the hardest parts that come along with a job in law enforcement.
But he’s quick to add he also regularly sees the best of the community on display and credits the people of Boerne for making it the great place it is.
“Policing is not possible without the support of the community,” Lt. Schmidt said. “The way people treat police officers in this town is second to none.”
As he celebrates a decade with the City, he credits the municipality for its treatment of employees and for providing opportunities for development and advancement in all departments.
A graduate of Boerne High School, he always knew this was where he wanted to live and work. He and his wife, Brittany, who also works at Boerne PD as an administrative assistant to the Criminal Investigations Division, are raising their daughter in the place they love and are proud to call home.
