My name is Isaiah Garcia, and I grew up in Washington, D.C. I spent my younger years in Spain, where I started school. I learned much during my time in Spain. In 1988, I moved to Washington D.C. I experienced the crack epidemic of the late 1980’s and 90’s in D.C and saw first-hand the impact drugs have on the minority community. This experience greatly shaped my ideals and appreciation for family, community and life.
I graduated from Central High School in Capitol Heights, MD. In 1998. I attended Bowie State University (a Historically Black University) from 1998 to 2000. In 2001, I enlisted in the United States Navy. I come from a family with a long history of military service. My grandfather, Miguel Garcia, served in the Army during WWII and my father, Nigel Garcia, served 20 years in the United States Air Force. My younger brother is a Major in the U.S Army stationed in Florida and has been deployed three times in support of the war in the Middle East.
I served 5 years in the navy, deploying twice in support of the war in the Middle East. I traveled the world and have seen many great places to include: Halifax Nova Scotia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, San Maarten, Spain, Italy, France, Sicily, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Turkey, Djibouti, Cypress, Seychelles and Bahrain. I have crossed the Equator and am a member of the Fraternal Order of the Shellbacks (2002). I have been awarded the Sea Service deployment ribbon (X2), Battle “E” Efficiency Award, Good Conduct Award (X2), National Defense Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (X2), Global War on Terrorism Medal and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
I achieved the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer and served as the Leading Petty Officer in my division. I was stationed aboard the USS Ponce LPD 15 and the USS Oak Hill LSD 51. I spent my 5 years in the Navy stationed at sea working with the 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on both of my deployments. I greatly enjoyed my time in the military and experienced the highs and lows that come along with service during the time of war. My time in the military taught me self-discipline, team work, dedication to country and appreciation of rank and responsibilities to my troops.
I separated from the Navy in 2006 and moved to San Antonio, Texas. I have 5 children ages: 22, 21, 17, 10 and 9. I am happily married to my wife Denise, who I married in November of 2020. After the navy, I worked at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office from 2008-2013. I applied for the position of Police Cadet at The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department in 2013 and graduated in May of 2013. I have been in the UTSA PD for 9 years, serving all 9 on patrol 3rd shift. I currently hold the rank of Corporal and am assigned to 3rd shift as one of the supervisors.
I absolutely love my job. I enjoy working with my fellow Officers and serving my community. I can honestly say that working for the UTSA Police Department has been one of the most rewarding jobs that I have ever had. While at UTSA PD, I have carved out a niche for Impaired Driving Enforcement. I am SFST certified, ARIDE certified and a Breath Test Operator. My goal is to become SFST instructor certified in the near future. I have been awarded the Mother against Drunk Driving Enforcement Hero award in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.
