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SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)– Protect and serve is not just a motto but a lifestyle for one Smith County lieutenant who is protecting her hometown.

Nikki Keegan, one of the few women in command at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrates how perseverance and dedication can help anyone achieve their goals. Keegan grew up in East Texas and is now one of the women in blue protecting her hometown.

“Being able to give back to my community that I grew up in is, I guess, personally fulfilling,” Keegan said. “It’s a good community.”

Keegan started her law enforcement career as a UT Tyler graduate, entering the force in Arlington.

“I took some criminal justice classes and I was hooked; that was what I wanted to do,” Keegan said. “I learned quickly that even if you want to be a detective, you still have to work your way up, you’ve got to start on patrol.”

Keegan worked as a street officer for six and a half years, and learned the meaning behind the words protect and serve, then wanted to take things a step further and started as a detective.

“They had a position open for a domestic and sex crimes detective, and I put in for that and I was selected,” Keegan said.

After several years on the force, she took a break to focus on family and raising her four sons, but that passion for service never waned, and when she returned to work in her hometown, she started climbing the ranks.

“I’ve just been kind of working my way up as a detective and detective sergeant, and then I was lieutenant over communications for a little while,” Keegan said. 

While working, she also started furthering her education by pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice and executive management. Keegan credits her support system for keeping her motivated during the hectic time.

“My support system is what helped push me,” Keegan said. “I was like, I don’t have time for this, I’m busy at work, I’ve got kids, but my husband said, ‘You can do this, and I’ll help.'”

Her advice to other women is not to be afraid to put in the hard work, something she learned from her field training officer. 

“One of my field training officers was female, and she pushed me so hard,” Keegan said. “I wasn’t thankful for it at the time, but after I was.”

Now Keegan uses that same drive every day, helping protect East Texans. 

“Set your goals and just keep pushing forward to get where you want to be,” Keegan said.