Daniel Oh is a distinguished veteran and esteemed law enforcement officer, renowned for his dedication to duty, courage, and steadfast commitment to service. He began his illustrious career in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and demonstrating remarkable leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military service, characterized by valor and perseverance, earned him several prestigious honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge, alongside various other campaign and service medals.
Following over ten years of military service, Daniel transitioned to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Here, his exceptional discipline and leadership skills were immediately evident. Starting as a Police Officer in the 71st Precinct, he quickly advanced to become a Neighborhood Coordination Officer, where he played a pivotal role in community engagement and policing. His exemplary performance in the NYPD garnered him numerous accolades, such as four Meritorious Police Duty awards and nine Excellent Police Duty awards. His journey through the ranks of NYPD led him to the prestigious Emergency Service Unit, tasked with managing some of the city’s most critical and high-risk situations.
Daniel Oh is currently furthering his education in cybersecurity at Purdue Global University, with an expected graduation in 2025. His ongoing academic and professional endeavors reflect his enduring commitment to safeguarding communities at both the national and local levels.
Daniel, what was the most important lesson you learned during your time in the military?
The most important lesson was the value of teamwork. In the military, you quickly learn that success is not achieved alone; it’s about how well you work with others under pressure.
How did your military training prepare you for the challenges you face in the NYPD?
Military training instilled a sense of discipline and a structured approach to tackling problems, which translated well into law enforcement, especially when dealing with high-pressure situations that require quick, decisive action.
What does a typical day look like for you in the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit?
A typical day can vary widely, from conducting training exercises to responding to emergency calls that can range from rescuing individuals to dealing with hazardous materials. The unpredictability is constant, but so is our readiness.
How do you approach leadership within such a demanding job?
I believe in leading by example. Being on the ground with my team and sharing the challenges helps build respect and trust. It’s about showing that I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.
With an extensive career in public service, how do you ensure you keep learning and growing?
Continuous learning is key. Whether it’s formal education, like my cybersecurity studies, or practical, on-the-job learning, I strive to keep evolving. Adapting to new technologies and methodologies is essential in staying effective.
Can you share how your role in the community as an NCO has impacted your view of policing?
It has reinforced the importance of community policing as a partnership. Being directly involved with the community has shown me the powerful impact of empathy and listening in building trust and ensuring public safety.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in cybersecurity?
I was motivated by the increasing relevance of cyber threats in both national security and local law enforcement. Understanding and mitigating these threats is becoming crucial for ensuring public safety.
How do you balance the high demands of your job with personal time?
It’s definitely a challenge, but I prioritize time management and make sure to carve out moments for family and personal interests, which are crucial for mental health and resilience.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is knowing that my actions have a direct impact on someone’s safety and well-being. Whether it’s through a rescue operation or community interaction, making a positive difference is what drives me.
Looking ahead, what are your professional goals for the next five years?
Professionally, I aim to further integrate my cybersecurity knowledge with my law enforcement duties. I want to be at the forefront of evolving police technologies and strategies, especially in areas that bridge digital security and physical safety.
Finally, what does success look like to you?
To me, success looks like making a tangible impact on the communities I serve. It’s about leaving a legacy of safety, trust, and resilience. Whether through direct interventions that save lives or through community engagement that improves the quality of life for others, success is about service that resonates and uplifts. It’s measured not just in the accolades I receive, but in the feedback from the people whose lives I’ve touched.