'Officer in the Spotlight'

Officer Dale F. Gelder Jr.

 

                                     Interview by Theresa Congelosi

I had the privilege of interviewing Officer Dale Gelder for our Officer in The Spotlight IPDCPAAA website feature.  Dale works road patrol, and is currently assigned to the Second Platoon which is from 5:45a.m. till 1:45 p.m..

I first asked Dale: What inspired you to become a police officer?

 Dale:    It’s the profession that my dad chose and I also wanted to be in this profession, so I graduated from high school in 1980 and joined the army and became an MP (Military Police).

 

Theresa:  How many years have you been with the Irondequoit Police Dept.?

 Dale:  Since June of 1993 which would be 14 years.

 

Theresa:  Did you work for another Police Dept. or different job field before coming to IPD?

 Dale:    Yes, I worked for the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department on Road Patrol from 1987 until 1993 when I transferred to IPD.

 

Theresa:  What are some of your duties as a Police Officer?

 Dale:    Road Patrol, Firearms Instructor, ATV Patrol, and Department Instruction Services for officers assigned to the ATV unit.

 

Theresa:  What is your favorite part of your job?

 Dale:    I would say helping people. Every day is different. Each day is a new challenge and I like that.

 

Theresa:  What is the hardest part of being a Police Officer?

 Dale:    I would say that having to make notifications of the loss of a family member is never easy.

 

Theresa:  How about family?

 Dale:   I recently re married in July.  I have 1 daughter and 1 step daughter.

 

Theresa:   Do you have any hobbies or interests?

 Dale:   Yes, I am an avid hunter. Also my wife and I enjoy recreational bowling, and we bowl once a week.

                                                                           

Theresa:   Are there any other interesting facts you would like to share such as awards, recognitions received etc?

 Dale:    I received Officer of the Year award in 1997. I also have several Technician Unit awards.  

It was a pleasure interviewing Officer Gelder. It is obvious that he enjoys his job and helping people. He does this with pride and professionalism.  He is very easy to talk to, and it is evident that he interacts very well with people. I thanked him for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview for our website.

                                                                - Spotlight Reporter: Theresa Congelosi