Wade Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
Black Onyx Investigations, LLC
Austin, Texas, US
About Wade Lyons
Wade Lyons is a public safety executive and private investigator based in Austin, Texas. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Black Onyx Investigations, a firm that provides investigative and security consulting services to law firms, private companies, and government agencies.
Lyons began his career in law enforcement in 2006 with the City of Austin. Over 18 years, he held roles in patrol, investigations, recruiting, and training. He became known for his leadership in crisis management and officer development. In 2022, he was appointed Executive Director of the Austin Police Department Training Academy. In this role, he oversaw training, hiring, and leadership development for more than 2,000 staff and cadets. He managed a multimillion-dollar budget and led efforts to improve community engagement and diversity in law enforcement training.
During his time at the academy, Lyons launched the Community Connect Program, which focused on building stronger relationships between cadets and Austin residents. He also led recruitment efforts that resulted in the most diverse cadet class in city history.
In 2024, Lyons transitioned to the private sector and founded Black Onyx Investigations. The firm offers services such as background checks, private investigations, and executive protection.
Lyons holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. He is currently completing an MBA. He is also a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School and a member of several professional public safety organizations.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
Licenses & Certifications
- Private Investigator – Texas Department of Public Safety – Issued January 2024, Expires January 2026
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – GoLeanSixSigma.com – Issued May 2024, Expires May 2026
- Essentials of Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention – ASIS International – Issued April 2024
- Planning, Designing, and Constructing Police Facilities – International Association of Chiefs of Police – Issued May 2023
- Gracie Survival Tactics Level 1 – Gracie University – Issued October 2022
- Law Enforcement Officer Flying Armed (FAA) – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement – Issued March 2022
- Master Peace Officer – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement – Issued April 2016
- Law Enforcement Instructor – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement – Issued August 2011
- Certified Public Manager – Texas State University
- ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-703, IS-800, NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander – FEMA
Charities & Volunteering
- Austin Animal Center – Volunteer – January 2019 – January 2021
- Operation Blue Santa – Volunteer – December 2018 – Present
Boards & Memberships
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) – Member – October 2022 – Present
- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) – Member – October 2022 – Present
- American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) – Member – July 2022 – Present
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA) – Member – July 2022 – Present
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wade Lyons do?
Wade Lyons is the Chief Executive Officer of Black Onyx Investigations, LLC, a firm providing investigative and security consulting services to law firms, private companies, and government agencies. He is a public safety executive and private investigator based in Austin, Texas.
What is Wade Lyons known for?
Lyons is known for his 18-year law enforcement career with the City of Austin, including serving as Executive Director of the Austin Police Department Training Academy, where he oversaw training and led the Community Connect Program and diversity-focused recruitment efforts. He later founded Black Onyx Investigations, offering background checks, private investigations, and executive protection services.
Where is Wade Lyons based?
Wade Lyons is based in Austin, Texas, US.
Where did Wade Lyons study?
Lyons holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University, and he is completing an MBA.
Who does Wade Lyons work for?
Wade Lyons works for Black Onyx Investigations, LLC, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer.
Last updated February 20, 2026