Police Recruit Sworn In, Begins Academy

Garden City Police Recruit James Gunnels, Jr. took his oath of office during a brief ceremony at Village Hall Thursday, June 20, 2019. Trustee Mark Hyer did the honors.

Police Recruit Gunnels, Jr. was born in Howard Beach Queens to Laurice and James Gunnels. He has an older sister, Victoria. James graduated from W.C. Mepham High school and went on to Farmingdale State College where his majors included Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Technology, Security Systems and Computer Programing and Information Systems.

James was a Police Explorer for more than five years, attaining the rank of Captain, and held the position of the drill team commander. He was also a children’s instructor in martial arts, which he learned over the course of 13 years of training, obtaining a black belt.

James entered the Nassau County Police Academy on June 3, 2019. “We look forward to his joining the Department upon graduation,” Commissioner Ken Jackson said.