Embracing a new path in law enforcement

Living in a motel, six days a week, away from home and family, was a difficult sacrifice for South Texas College graduates and brothers Rogelio and Raziel Gonzalez, who graduated this month from STC’s Police Academy.

However, their dedication paid off after 21 weeks of rigorous training to earn their peace officer certifications, secure employment with Travis County and most importantly, fulfill their long-awaited dream of serving the public in law enforcement.

“We’ve always bonded over the fact that we wanted to join the military but never did,” Raziel said. “For my brother and me, this journey has been worth it. We looked at academies across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond to earn a police officer certification, and STC was definitely the right choice.”

Originally from Zapata, Rogelio, 37, and Raziel, 31, are the oldest and youngest siblings in a close-knit family of six, always supportive of each other.

Rogelio initially aspired to join the military but later pursued career paths in machinery, civil engineering and welding, seizing opportunities across the state. Ultimately, he returned to Zapata, where he launched two businesses, one in transportation and the other an air conditioning service.

Raziel, following a similar path, spent years in the welding industry, traveling across the country and working away from home in places such as Georgia and South Carolina.

“It all changed when my 5-year-old son was born. I knew I wanted to be closer to home and find something more stable,” he said. “I eventually went back to Zapata and started a lawn care business, but the idea of working in public service was always in the back of my mind.”

Drawing on their shared experience as entrepreneurs, the siblings seized the chance to pursue their dream of becoming police officers earlier this year, confident that their businesses were stable enough to support them while they focused on this new path.

“Initially, we planned to stay with relatives in Weslaco, which is why we chose that academy over the one in Pharr. But it ended up being easier to stay at a motel from Sunday to Friday and drive home once a week,” Rogelio shared. “And it has truly paid off. The opportunities we’ve found at STC, along with the experience and connections we’ve made, have helped us not only learn, but also secure an opportunity we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. We are so grateful.”

As part of STC’s 36th Police Academy, the first held at the Mid-Valley campus in Weslaco, both siblings were hired by Travis County in the first weeks of November, while still in training. Their hard work and sacrifice paid off immediately, setting a powerful example for their children.

“We do it for them,” added Rogelio, father of a 5 and 3 year old. “When we go home and we share our excitement about the academy, the look in their eyes says it all. They see us as superheroes. We want to show them that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and that if they believe in themselves, they can achieve anything.”

Sharing the sentiment, Raziel also highlighted the benefits of experiencing college life on a diverse campus, which allowed them to practice community policing, now eager to continue making a difference out in the field.

“We’ve had the chance to connect with all types of students, future nurses, welders and more, each of us part of a larger community. We have formed some great friendships,” he explained. “We felt a sense of pride being part of something bigger. It’s an experience you just don’t get anywhere else.”

Both siblings are now ready to move and begin their new chapter in Austin, where they plan to bring their families next year. They aspire to continue their education through STC’s online associate degree in Law Enforcement program, with hopes of one day returning to their hometown to make an even greater impact.

“We’re eager to go out there and continue growing as professionals. Our hometown means everything to us, so after gaining many years of experience, we hope to bring back everything we’ve learned to help our community,” Rogelio said. “We also deeply value our relationship with STC. From admission to graduation, the support has been incredible. We hope to one day return and recruit, giving back because we truly wouldn’t have achieved our dream without STC.”

For more information on STC’s Police Academy or other Public Safety programs and training opportunities offered, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.