For Joshua Jacobs, service has always come first. Originally from Algonquin and a graduate of Jacobs High School, Joshua enlisted in the United States Army immediately after graduation in 2002. He proudly served as an Infantry Paratrooper with the elite 82nd Airborne Division, completing one deployment to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. His years in uniform taught him discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

After four years of military service, Joshua pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 2010. Drawn again to public service, he joined law enforcement in 2014 and completed training at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. Over the past decade, Joshua has built an impressive career as a police officer, with extensive experience in community policing, investigations, and crisis intervention. He is also SWAT-qualified, having completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Basic SWAT School. A decorated combat veteran and veteran police officer, Joshua embodies dedication to God, family, and country.

Yet, his story doesn’t end with military and police service. In 2020, Joshua launched Light Discipline Holiday Lighting Company, bringing the same attention to detail and discipline from his service into the holiday season. Light Discipline specializes in high-quality custom holiday lighting for homes and businesses—everything from rooftops and columns to trees, pathways, and driveways. Unlike pop-up installers, Joshua’s company is veteran-owned, family-operated, and committed to staying rooted in the community year after year.

What sets Light Discipline apart is its philosophy: “Holiday lighting isn’t our side hustle—this is what we do.” With professional-grade materials and meticulous installation, every display is designed to shine brighter, last longer, and bring joy to families and businesses alike. In just four seasons, Joshua has nearly doubled installations each year, personally completing close to 100 displays last season.

Beyond business, Light Discipline reflects Joshua’s heart for service. Through the Hometown Heroes Program, a company that honors veterans, active-duty service members, firefighters, police officers, and first responders. Each year, families are selected to receive free installation and removal of holiday lighting through Light Discipline, a small but meaningful way to thank those who put their lives on the line for others. Nominations for the 2025–26 season are now open on the company’s website.

Running a growing business hasn’t been without challenges. However, Joshua proves that a veteran’s dedication to discipline and integrity doesn’t end with military service—it shines on.

Check out their website (lightdisciplinehlc.com) and contact Light Discipline now for your holiday lighting. 

(224) 588-1252 or jjacobs@lightdisciplinehlc.com

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