For Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier, the badge has never been about authority. It has always been about service to God, to community, and to the men and women who stand beside him. His journey into law enforcement began nearly forty years ago and continues today, guided by the same principles that first led him to raise his hand and swear an oath to protect others.
“My 25 years with DPS laid a strong foundation rooted in public safety, discipline, and professionalism,” Auxier said. “I spent decades patrolling Texas highways, responding to emergencies, and building meaningful relationships within the communities I served.”
Born with a heart for service, Auxier knew early on that he wanted to help people. After graduating from the Department of Public Safety Academy in 1987, he began his career as a Texas DPS State Trooper, joining a long tradition of men and women who kept the state’s roads safe. Over time, his role expanded from traffic enforcement to crisis response and community partnership, and he found that what mattered most was people.
“You can see a lot in 25 years,” he said. “The wrecks, the tragedies, the moments where families’ lives change forever. Those experiences teach you humility. They remind you why compassion is so important in this work.”
After a quarter century with DPS, Auxier felt called to bring his experience home. “Over time, I felt led to serve at the local level where I could make a direct and lasting impact,” he said. “After much prayer and reflection, I decided to run for sheriff, beginning my first term on January 1, 2013. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community.”
Auxier’s leadership philosophy, however, is rooted in a much earlier and deeper transformation. “The most defining moment in my life was the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior,” he said. “My belief in the Bible is the foundation of my leadership values and principles. Everything I do comes back to faith, accountability, and treating others with respect.”
Leading with Purpose
Over his years in law enforcement, Auxier has seen change come quickly to Kendall County. “While the foundation of protecting and serving remains unchanged, today’s sheriff must also be a communicator, collaborator, and problem solver,” he said.
He describes the job as both an honor and a heavy responsibility. “This is the community where my family and friends live, where my roots run deep,” he said. “Every decision I make as sheriff is guided by a commitment to protect and strengthen the very community that helped shape who I am.”
As the county grows, his role has evolved. “We have had to adapt without losing the values that make this place special,” he explained. “That means investing in technology, expanding training, and building partnerships with local organizations and neighboring agencies.”
Equally important to Auxier is the well-being of his deputies. “Our citizens expect a high level of service, and our team takes great pride in delivering that,” he said. “But our deputies are human beings with families, emotions, and limits. Taking care of our team is essential to taking care of our community.”
He ensures his department has access to peer support, chaplain services, and counseling. “If we do not take care of our own, they cannot serve effectively,” he said. “When our employees are at their best, they serve at their best.”
Leadership, he believes, requires presence and humility. “Law enforcement comes with a lot of highs and lows,” he said. “During difficult seasons, I lead with compassion, communication, and faith. We talk often about being a family, and that means standing with each other through every situation.”
A Sheriff of Faith
Faith, for Auxier, is not something reserved for Sundays. It is a daily practice that informs every decision. “The work we do often involves high-stress and traumatic situations,” he said. “For many of us, faith becomes a foundation of strength and hope during those times.”
He encourages his deputies to seek balance physically, mentally, and spiritually. “While spirituality is a deeply personal journey, we recognize its importance,” he said. “We try to create an environment where all forms of support, faith-based or otherwise, are respected.”
That faith also defines his view of leadership. “Leadership is about people,” he said. “It is about knowing your team, listening to them, and setting an example that others want to follow. I try to model servant leadership in every decision I make.”
The Role of Community
Auxier believes the strength of Kendall County lies in its community support. “We are fortunate in Kendall County in that the community we serve strongly supports first responders,” he said. “Hope for Heroes Texas is an extension of that community support. This partnership allows us to reach out to other law enforcement communities where that strong sense of support is not as evident.”
He often points to small gestures as the foundation of that bond. “A simple thank you goes a long way,” he said. “But getting involved by attending events, participating in the Citizens Police Academy, or volunteering helps citizens truly understand the challenges first responders face.”
Organizations like Hope for Heroes Texas have become an important part of that connection. “I first heard about Hope for Heroes Texas from Brad Cornell as he was getting the organization off the ground,” he said. “From the start, it was clear his heart was in the right place. His passion for supporting first responders was genuine and lasting.”
One of the most visible parts of that mission has been the monthly luncheons the organization hosts for first responders. “Those gatherings might seem simple, but they mean a lot,” Auxier said. “They give our team a chance to take a breath, share a meal, and know they are appreciated by the people they serve.”
He sees Hope for Heroes Texas as part of a larger movement to strengthen those who serve. “They help address the unseen emotional and spiritual needs of first responders,” he said. “It is not just about recognition. It is about building resilience.”
Legacy of Service
After nearly four decades in uniform, Sheriff Auxier remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. “I hope to leave a legacy built on integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to others,” he said. “I have always tried to put people first, to make decisions rooted in fairness and respect, and to wear the badge with honor.”
He hopes the next generation of law enforcement in Kendall County continues to view their work as a calling, not a career. “Never forget that this job is about service over self,” he said. “Lead with integrity. Listen more than you speak. Carry the badge with humility. The heart of this work is about people.”
Message from Brad Cornell
Brad Cornell, founder of Hope for Heroes Texas, describes Sheriff Auxier as the embodiment of servant leadership.
“Sheriff Auxier’s faith, humility, and compassion define his leadership,” Cornell said. “He represents what it means to serve with purpose. Hope for Heroes Texas exists to support leaders like him, people who give everything to their communities and remind others that true strength comes from service.”
From the Hope for Heroes series: For one of the deputies who serves under Auxier’s leadership, read about Kevin Klaerner, who carries his own family legacy in law enforcement. For another officer who found his way home to Kendall County, read about Officer Eduardo Murillo.
