Waco, Tx – On Christmas Eve, as many residents of Hillsboro prepare to celebrate with loved ones, Sgt. Jon Rodgers is among the few who sacrifice their holiday to ensure the safety of the community. While most people are enjoying their festivities, Rodgers and his fellow officers are out on the streets, performing a vital public service that keeps families safe during the busy holiday season.
Rodgers, a seasoned officer with the Hillsboro Police Department, sees his role on Christmas Eve as an important one. “Law enforcement’s goal over the holidays is just to be sure that everybody has a good time with their family and friends, but to do that safely,” he explained. The holidays are often marked by an increase in travel, making it essential for officers to be vigilant in enforcing traffic laws to prevent accidents and keep the streets safe.
While Christmas Eve in Hillsboro is typically quiet, with residents generally in a festive mood, Rodgers notes that there are specific measures that need to be enforced to ensure safety. “Officers will be enforcing the speed limit, distracted driving, and DWI offenses,” he said. “This is just to ensure everybody safely makes it to their destination.”
Despite the importance of his work, being away from his family on Christmas is not lost on Sgt. Rodgers. He, like many of his colleagues, sacrifices personal time to serve the community. However, for him, the job is about more than just enforcement. It’s about building a stronger, safer community. “Being a police officer, you get to build relationships with people from all different walks of life, and it helps you build a community,” he said.
Sgt. Rodgers’ dedication to his role reflects a larger commitment to public service that extends beyond the holiday season. While he may miss spending time with his family, he understands the value of his work in fostering a safe and connected community. His service on Christmas Eve is just one example of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day to ensure the safety of those they serve.