Department: Lubbock Police Department.
Name: Marcus Rodriguez.
Rank: Officer.
How long with department? 13 years.
Roles: Days East Patrol, TCOLE instructor, ALERRT active shooter, firearms. Assist with instructing patrol/department trainings.
Hometown: Plainview.
Education: High school diploma, Plainview.
Spouse/children: Wife Megan, we were high school sweethearts and have been together 20 years, married 12.
Children: We have three children, two girls and a boy, ages 17, 13 and 11.
Why did you choose this profession? I like to say, “it’s in my blood” as I have several family members in law enforcement throughout the state, who have had a big influence to become a police officer and I love to help others who aren’t able to help themselves!
How do you deal with stressful situations? Stress is an unavoidable part of law enforcement, so I focus on managing it rather than reacting to it! I rely on my training, slow thought processes and communication with my squad. Staying calm allows me to make sound decisions instead of emotional ones. Taking time to evaluate what happened, learn from the incident, talk with my squad when appropriate and maintain a healthy balance outside of work, with family and hobbies.
Honors/highlights: For me it’s not the recognition from my superiors or earning awards, the true highlights come from the community that I serve and protect everyday, receiving “thank yous” and being appreciated for doing my job. Being there for someone during their lowest or most stressful times and helping them get through it. Simply being someone they can talk to or even just stopping by and speaking with residents, when I see them outside and the gratitude it brings to them, when an officer in uniform stops just to see how they are doing.
Hobbies/interest: I’m really into self care and enjoy going to the gym and pushing myself. I enjoy playing cornhole for fun and play in local leagues with friends. Family time is the best and love doing family activities, even if it’s just lounging around the house with them. Simple things in life.
Community involvement: I enjoy going to my children’s schools and speaking with their classmates about police work and the importance of safety. Just interacting with the public and the communities while working to make positive influences on the police department as a whole.
Quote: “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to effect those around him positively!” – Bob Marley
