Luke G. Hodgson’s career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began when he left his hometown of Colville, Washington, to accept a position as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in El Paso, Texas. At 22 years old, Hodgson was seeking stability and purpose after working various blue-collar jobs and being laid off from the lumber industry.
“I graduated high school in 2006 and worked a variety of blue-collar jobs, but I never attended college,” Hodgson said. His previous work experience helped him develop skills such as mechanical aptitude and adaptability that would later be valuable as a Border Patrol agent.
Hodgson’s interest in CBP grew after seeing agents patrolling mountains on snowmobiles. “I was looking for a job that I would enjoy, that would also provide stability. I didn’t see a future in the lumber industry where I lived,” he explained.
During his 15-year tenure with CBP, Hodgson earned multiple certifications in areas including all-terrain vehicle operations, utility task vehicle handling, snowmobile use, horse patrol, jet ski and boat operations, dirt bike and mountain biking, use-of-force instruction, basic outdoor survival skills instruction, chaplaincy and recruitment. Many of these certifications matched his personal interests such as fishing and riding dirt bikes. “I was surprised I could get these certifications working for CBP,” Hodgson noted.
His assignments took him from El Paso to Douglas, Arizona; Lordsburg, New Mexico; Presidio, Texas; Havre, Montana; and finally back to Colville after 12 years away from home. Reflecting on his journey, Hodgson said: “It took 12 years to make my way back home, but the journey was worth it, and I am thankful for the experiences that shaped me along the way.”
Hodgson cited his role as a chaplain as his proudest accomplishment within CBP: “Being a chaplain and being there for the agents and their families during challenging times gives meaning to my job. That is my greatest accomplishment—it’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
He encourages others considering law enforcement careers to join CBP: “Join us! There is a place for everyone, and you can make a real difference while developing your skills along the way.”
CBP employs over 67,000 people who protect America by enforcing travel and trade laws on land, air and sea while supporting national security through innovation and collaboration. More information about careers at CBP is available at their official website.
