Justin Jones, the Dallas Independent School District officer shot at a Sam’s Club parking lot in northwest Dallas on Thursday, has a long history of service in the city. 

According to Jones’ Texas Commission on Law Enforcement license, the 39-year-old officer has worked for the district since June 2010. His 16 years of service are marked by five certificates and awards, and more than 100 training programs — including a novel deescalation tactic called “verbal judo” that garnered media attention back in 2015. 

Jones is assigned to W.T. White High School on Ridgeside Drive in northwest Dallas, where just under 2,000 students are enrolled. Parents and students who were on campus Thursday said Jones is an integral part of the school community, and said they look forward to supporting him through his recovery. 

Jones was driving on the interstate near the high school Thursday morning when someone on the freeway flagged him down to help a “man in crisis,” Dallas Police Department Chief Daniel Comeaux said. 

Comeaux said Jones helped the individual into his car, driving him to safety at a nearby Sam’s Club parking lot. After getting to the parking lot, Jones was then shot in the torso. Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the individual who Jones helped, although they noted that the person is now a suspect in the case. 

Jones was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital for surgery. Nurses at the hospital could not provide any information about Jones’ condition. 

Those who worked with Jones said he is a dedicated public servant, both on and off duty. Pastor Richie Butler of St. Luke United Methodist Church said Jones consistently participates in his “Together We Ball” event  — a day of family activities featuring a basketball game between police, pastors and other community leaders.

Butler said Jones would take time out of his weekend to help put on the event, designed to help teenagers interact positively with law enforcement. 

“He was focused on serving the community,” Butler said of Jones. “He showed it to to help us bring the community together.”