Officer Profile: Sergeant Velardo

Sergeant Velardo joined the Croton on Hudson Police Department in 2008 after having served with the NYPD for four years. Having grown up in Croton, he was grateful for the opportunity to work in his hometown, a community he loves. Sergeant Velardo was always intrigued by a career in law enforcement, even though no one in his family has a law enforcement background. Being a police officer allows him to follow his lifelong desire to help people. Prior to his police career, he attended college in Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor’s in communications. He believes his college training prepared him well for the community policing focus of the Croton department.

Sergeant Velardo likes that Croton gives officers extensive training which allows officers the opportunity to follow a case from beginning to end, an opportunity not available in larger police departments. He especially enjoys meeting people he has helped and hearing how they are doing. A resident’s thank you brings him deep job satisfaction, knowing he was able to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Sergeant Velardo’s family is immensely proud of him, despite their worry for his safety. In his off-duty time, he enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth sports.