Meet Jeremy Lahar | Sergeant, Author, Speaker and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeremy Lahar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the alignment of my work with my God-given gifts and purpose. I believe that God has blessed me with the ability to communicate effectively and placed me in a profession where I can serve and assist others in meaningful ways. This sense of purpose drives everything I do.

I wouldn’t be where I am without the unwavering support of my family—my wife and three children. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me provide the foundation I rely on daily.

Professionally, the support and buy-in from my department and division have been invaluable. Their trust and collaboration have allowed me to grow and create impactful programs that serve our community.

Lastly, my passion for mentoring, connecting, and guiding youth fuels my work. Helping shape the next generation of leaders is not just my mission—it’s my calling. Knowing that I can play even a small role in helping young people realize their potential is what keeps me motivated and committed to making a difference.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
They say if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. That couldn’t be truer in my story, as pursuing a career in law enforcement was never part of my original plan. I went to college for Mass Communications with dreams of a career in radio, and after graduation, I worked at Bally Total Fitness while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. I spent my days working at Nitsch Elementary from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., evenings at Bally’s from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and late nights online attending classes to earn my Teaching Certification. Despite finishing the program, I struggled to find a teaching position.

Then, an unexpected blessing came my way—a role running an afterschool program in Acres Homes, overseeing and mentoring over 300 children. That experience opened my eyes to my passion for working with and guiding youth. Little did I know, God was using that time to equip me with skills and experiences I didn’t even realize I would need later in life. It wasn’t a straight path, but instead, a scenic route that led me to my true calling: working in law enforcement.

I started my law enforcement career on patrol in southwest Houston, where I quickly learned the value of communication and relatability in building trust with the community. Those lessons set the foundation for the next step in my journey when I earned a position in Public Affairs as an officer. That role felt like stepping into my purpose—it allowed me to engage with the community through public speaking, events, programs, and initiatives that showcased the positive side of law enforcement. I was hooked!

After five years, I made the decision to study for and take the sergeant exam, the hardest test I’ve faced at any academic level. Passing that test was a significant accomplishment, but with the promotion came new challenges, including starting over in seniority and returning to patrol as a supervisor. My time in Greenspoint was invaluable, working with some amazing officers and learning leadership on the streets. But I always felt a pullback toward my calling in community engagement.

That pull became a reality when I was blessed with the opportunity to return to Community Affairs as a sergeant. Now, I not only continue the initiatives I started years ago, but I also have the privilege of supervising an incredible team of officers dedicated to serving the community.

What sets me apart is my passion for connection and my ability to use communication as a bridge to bring people together. I am most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make in the lives of others—whether it’s mentoring youth, helping my community, or inspiring my team. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but every detour and challenge has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of faith and purpose.

I want the world to know that my story is a testament to God’s guidance, the support of my family, and the power of perseverance. My brand and my mission are centered around building trust, fostering relationships, and inspiring the next generation to believe in their own potential. Every step of this journey has brought me closer to living out my purpose, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve others every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a big sports fan, I’d make sure to take them to a Texans, Rockets, or Astros game, depending on the season—definitely in that order. My wife and I are also serious foodies, and Houston is one of the best cities in the world for incredible dining experiences. I’d share my top-secret Yelp list tailored to whatever they’re craving, from authentic Tex-Mex to world-class barbecue. If they enjoy drinks, I’ve got a list of must-visit spots for cocktails, craft beer, or wine. If they’re into art, museums, live music, comedy, or spoken word poetry, Houston has amazing spots for those as well! That’s the beauty of this city—there’s something for everyone, no matter where they’re from or what they’re into. You just have to know where to look!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout will always start with God, because without Him, there would be no opportunity to embark on this journey that has led me to this point—and, God-willing, to future success.

My next shoutout is to my incredible wife, Ceon. As the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a greater woman,” and her unwavering support and teamwork in keeping our family moving as a unit make everything I do possible.

To my mama and kids—thank you for always being my biggest cheerleaders. Your love and encouragement are my constant source of motivation.

I also want to recognize my mentors, Pastor Jamail Johnson and my God-brother DeVale Simmons, whose words and actions have guided me in ways they may never fully realize.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the Houston Police Department and my Community Affairs family. Your support of every initiative, program, and event I’ve had the privilege to propose has been instrumental in serving the citizens of Houston. I am truly grateful for this incredible network of support.

Website: https://jeremylahar.com

Instagram: mr_officer713

Linkedin: Jeremy Lahar

Twitter: mr_officer713

Youtube: @jlahar