Wade Lyons: From Patrolling the Streets to Private Sector Leadership

A Public Servant Turned Business Leader

Wade Lyons didn’t plan to wear a badge. He wanted to become a doctor. But one ride-along with a police officer during his last semester at Texas A&M University changed everything.

“Something clicked,” he says. “I saw what real service looked like, and I never looked back.”

That moment reshaped his life. It sparked a career in public safety, which later led to building a company of his own. Today, he’s the CEO of Black Onyx Investigations, LLC, a fast-growing firm in private security and executive protection.

Starting a Law Enforcement Career in Austin

Wade began his journey in 2006 with the City of Austin. He joined the Austin Police Department and climbed the ranks over time. His early years were spent in Patrol, dealing with fast-paced, real-world challenges.

Over the years, he worked in Risk Management, Street Narcotics, Investigations, and Strategic Intelligence. Each role gave him a new lens on how to keep communities safe.

He eventually became the Training Division Commander, responsible for hiring and training more than 2,300 employees—both sworn officers and civilians.

“I learned that leadership isn’t about titles,” he says. “It’s about showing up, listening, and leading by example.”

Education and Training That Shaped His Approach

Wade has always believed in staying sharp. He earned a B.S. in Community Health from Texas A&M, followed by a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. He’s now working on his MBA, set to finish in 2025.

He also completed elite leadership programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School and FBI-LEEDA’s Command Leadership Institute.

“You can’t lead if you stop learning,” he says. “I treat education like training. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

He’s also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, giving him tools to improve processes and lead efficient teams.

Launching Black Onyx Investigations

After nearly two decades in public service, Wade took a leap into the private sector. In 2024, he founded Black Onyx Investigations. The firm offers private security, investigative services, and is now expanding into Executive Protection.

His goal: bring the same values from law enforcement—accountability, training, integrity—into private security.

“People want to feel safe. Not just protected physically, but respected and understood,” Wade says. “That’s what we bring to the table.”

Building Trust Through Leadership and Service

Trust has always been Wade’s compass.

“Trust isn’t something you get because of your rank,” he explains. “It’s something you earn every day—by doing what you say you’ll do.”

In his role as commander, he was known for engaging directly with officers and citizens. He listened to concerns, built real relationships, and mentored younger staff.

That same mindset now guides his work at Black Onyx.

Community and Professional Involvement

Wade is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

He stays active in these networks to stay informed, share best practices, and push for better standards across the industry.

“It’s not enough to run a business,” he says. “You’ve got to help raise the bar for the whole profession.”

Staying Grounded Through Personal Discipline

Outside of work, Wade keeps his body and mind in shape. He’s into natural bodybuilding, jiu-jitsu, and scuba diving.

“Discipline doesn’t stop when you leave work,” he says. “It’s how I live.”

These hobbies keep him focused, teach him resilience, and give him time to think. Whether training for a match or diving underwater, he uses that time to recharge and reset.

A Leader Focused on the Long Game

Wade Lyons isn’t chasing trends or headlines. He’s focused on building something solid—one relationship, one decision, one team at a time.

He doesn’t see leadership as a spotlight. He sees it as a service.

“Leadership is about responsibility. It’s about being where you’re needed, even when no one’s watching.”

From the streets of Austin to the halls of Harvard to launching a growing company, Wade’s story is about staying true to his mission—serve, protect, and lead with purpose.

Wade Lyons’ Timeline at a Glance:

• 2006: Begins public safety career in Austin
• 2020: Earns M.S. in Criminal Justice
• 2022: Completes Harvard and FBI-LEEDA leadership programs
• 2024: Founds Black Onyx Investigations
• 2025: Expected to complete MBA at Lamar University

For those looking to lead in public or private sectors, Wade offers this advice: “Know your purpose, do the work, and never stop learning. That’s how you grow. That’s how you lead.”

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