I was raised in the Bronx with my two older sisters in a Catholic, middle-class, working family. I graduated from Saint Raymonds Catholic High School, and even back then, I knew I wanted to become a New York City police officer. I had long admired the professionalism of the officers who patrolled my neighborhood, and I was determined to follow that path.

I started my career with the New York City Transit Police, assigned to District 3, where I patrolled the subway system. Not long after, I transferred to the NYPD and was assigned to the 40th Precinct in the South Bronx—a community facing real challenges, where many residents were immigrants living in poverty. It was there that I learned quickly, not just how to police, but how to serve. I treated people with concern and respect, and in return, I earned their trust. That trust led to me becoming the precinct’s Community Officer—an advocate for the people I served and someone they could rely on.

From there, I moved into the Detective Bureau’s Narcotics Division, working every facet of narcotics enforcement, eventually rising to the Bronx Narcotics Major Case Squad. I also served as the union representative for the Detectives’ Endowment Association in one of the NYPD’s largest commands. My work was recognized through a discretionary promotion to second-grade detective—an honor awarded to roughly 5% of detectives across the department.

During those years, I met and married my wife, Arlene, and more than 21 years ago, we moved to Putnam County, where we’ve built our life together.

After 26 years with the NYPD, I retired—but I wasn’t ready to stop serving. I joined the North Highlands Fire Department, where I’ve proudly served for the past 13 years and currently hold the rank of Captain. I also joined the Cold Spring Police Department and returned to patrol and community policing—a role I deeply value.

In time, I was appointed Officer in Charge of the Cold Spring Police Department—essentially serving as the department’s chief—responsible for staffing, budgeting, compliance, training, and daily operations. Despite working with a small team and limited resources, I modernized the department through the strategic use of technology, county partnerships, and grant funding that kept local costs minimal. After seven years in that role, I made the decision to step down because I was fully committed to making a run for Sheriff. I felt I had accomplished what I set out to do in Cold Spring, and it was time to bring that same energy, vision, and experience to serve the county at large.

Today, I serve as Assistant Security Director for Turner Construction, one of the largest global construction firms. My team oversees operations at the local, national, and global levels—including executive protection and dark web monitoring. The budget I help manage is comparable in size to that of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and I apply the same leadership and fiscal responsibility here that I will bring to the role of Sheriff.