When the sun rises over Cape Coral, Master Corporal Nick Jones hits the road.
He’s in his 20th year with Cape Coral Police. It's a career that’s had him do a little of everything.
Jones spent 16 years in investigations. He’s experienced the highs of solving a major crime, like the Wade Wilson case, but also the lows of those unsolved, like the disappearance of Lauren Dumolo.
“(It’s) kind of like a pride thing, you know what I mean? You want to do your best for everybody, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way,” Jones said.
But for all the challenges that being an investigator brought, it’s his job now – he said – that’s the hardest.
“Road patrol is by far the most challenging,” Jones explained. “Only because you never know what you're going to do every single day."
In March of 2024, that was proven as true as ever. Jones was among those first on the scene of a raging house fire. He and others managed to rescue the couple that was inside the burning home.
While he isn’t the type to take credit, others are recognizing his great work.
He’s now a finalist for Lee County’s law enforcement officer of the year.
What Jones is proud to share is how much the job has taught him.
“Just because we're in law enforcement, wearing a badge, gun and handcuffs, doesn't mean we can't be empathetic or nice to people,” Jones said. “Sometimes, people that we deal with in the community just need somebody to listen."