Officer Gerald Gonzalez was born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Upon completing his degree, he moved back to the Big Apple and joined the NYPD as a Police Officer where he served for two and a half years. After hearing from friends who had made the move LakelandPD, Gonzalez decided to move his family down to Lakeland and was sworn in as a Lakeland Police Officer in April 2022. Gonzalez was originally assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division prior to applying for the Motor Unit.
Officer Gonzalez said that the most important thing he loves about his career is the opportunity to make a positive impact on his community. He has a strong sense of dedication to public service and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents in Lakeland.
Competing in his first Police Motorcycle Challenge this past weekend and achieving 4th place out of over 90 competitors is an impressive feat, showcasing his commitment to excellence and his ability to handle the demands of the Motor Unit. It’s clear that Officer Gonzalez is already making a positive impression in his new role, and his dedication to his career is likely to continue benefiting the Lakeland community.