Senior Austin patrol officer Tony Vanboekhout is living his dream, patrolling the streets of Austin to help to keep citizens safe.

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KVUE's Steve Alberts reports

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"I owe America so much," he said.

Vanboekhout emigrated from the Netherlands and joined the US Army before becoming an Austin police officer.

"I still believe in freedom, honor, duty, country," said Vanboekhout

The Fourth of July has always been a special day for Vanboekhout. This year he plans to make up for lost time.

"This Fourth of July, I think I'm going to spend it with my family in my backyard and do a little barbecue," he said.

In 2008, he was a reservist in the National Guard. He was patrolling the streets of Bagdad.

"It was midnight. I remember we were out with our patrol and our guys were asking if they could shoot a couple of pin flares up in the air to celebrate Fourth of July. I think we all wished deep in our hearts the people of Iraq the same Fourth of July celebration,” said Vanboekhout.

This Fourth of July will mark the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

As a retired navy pilot, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell understands the meaning of patriotism, along with the commitment and sacrifice that goes with it. He says he believes the Fourth of July is America's most important holiday.

"I still get goose pimples when I hear the Star Spangled Banner or say the Pledge of Allegiance. I really feel it inside me this is something I am proud of," he said.

Austin city employee and U.S. army veteran Steven Gonzales feels the same way.

"It makes me proud to be an American and come together as a country," he said.

"I have hope because deep inside I think everybody loves their freedom and everybody loves America," Vanboekhout said.