By Venus Mari Zapedzki
Ernesto Cruz, Chief of Police at Onyx Heights, is a man of action. When the perpetrators of the shootout at the recent Memorial Day events attempt to escape using a police officer as hostage, he personally rammed their getaway vehicle with his SUV.
When asked about this, Chief Cruz replied “What is a leader if they are not the type to spring into action when they see those under them in immediate danger?” He says his time in the Navy perhaps formed his desire to ensure the safety of those he calls "the fine men and women" of his department.
He has only been Chief in Onyx Heights since the beginning of March, but he has already made his mark. So who is he?
The Internet tells us he is 41 years old and a graduate of the US Naval Academy. He spent seven years in the Navy before returning to civilian life. He began his career in law enforcement by gaining a masters degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. He went on from here to working as a police officer in a small town in Michigan, where, he told me, he on occasions had to deal with the overspill of violence from inner city Detroit. But not often, he assured me.
From Michigan he transferred as a detective to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. And it is from there that he arrived at Onyx Heights as our Chief of Police.
He is very clear on what his tasks are as Chief. They number three. "First, ensure that all incoming officers are aware that this department prioritizes the welfare of this community. Secondly, I would be happy to speak with any leaders of this community to discuss how we can better this community. Third, order and peace.”
He particularly would like to connect with community leaders. Every community, he says, is different, which is why he thinks it would be helpful to make that connection.
In person, Chief Cruz comes over as a stern, no-nonsense but honest man, one who is blunt but who you know you can trust. He is very much in control of his words, choosing them carefully, but he is straightforward. You know what he means when he says something, and you are left in no doubt he means it. He gives every impression that the Police Department and citizens of Onyx Heights are in good hands.
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