Corporal Gary Essaf has been serving with the UPT Police Department since 1998. He has aspired to become a police officer for as early as he can remember. His grandfather was a police officer and he admired him. Corporal Essaf's favorite aspect of his job is having the opportunity to have a direct impact on the community, even in little ways. "Even the smallest interaction can be meaningful. You really never know what people are going through when you encounter them, so if I can help them, I do. That is definitely the most rewarding part of my job," he says. 

Corporal Essaf's favorite memory of his time with the Police Department was when he had the opportunity to meet his (now) wife in 2002. She lent him change for a vending machine that did not take bills (and she has not let him forget it). She would say she has been serving her sentence ever since! In his free time, Corporal Essaf enjoys spending free time with his wife (Kelly) and son (Will). He also enjoys attending his son's activities on his days off as well as biking, swimming, watersports and the beach.

Thank you for your service Corporal Essaf!