Atlantic Ave Magazine May 2022

egulars | city people
by diane feen | Photo by melissa korman
Call to Justice
If you were stranded in a
lifeboat you would want
Gary Ferreri on board.
The Delray Beach Police Lieutenant has the know-how to get
you to safety, the compassion to understand what you’re going
through, and the leadership skills to get you to safety.
A tall order for anyone, but Lieutenant Ferreri is up to any task,
be it large or small.
When he was doing “Problem Oriented Policing” he went door
to door in high crime areas and asked residents about problems
or pressing issues. His goal was to resolve issues and come up
with solutions.
That’s because Lt. Ferreri is a solutions kind of guy.
When he was project manager for getting an ice cream truck for
the city, he reached out and made it happen. “I made a few calls and
very soon we had a brand-new van from Greco Ford. All the money
was donated; we didn’t use any city money,” said the Long Island
native who moved to Coral Springs as a teenager.
The ice cream truck is one of the sweeter things that Ferreri has
done, but not nearly the sum total. He has been a calming helpful
presence for kids and teens in Delray donning a Santa suit during
Covid and bringing them presents on holidays. He has mentored
young people when they needed a helping hand (or advice) and is a
stellar example of leadership, kindness and professionalism.
When you mention the name Gary Ferreri the accolades build up
like high rises in South Florida. “Gary Ferreri serves as an exemplary
leader, not only in our Police Department, but in our city. He far
exceeds the standard of Community Policing and has made giving
back to the community part of his life, not just part of his role with
the DBPD,” said Jordana Jarjura, President of Menin Development.
You bet he has. As a sergeant he was in charge of the Youth
Explorer Program. The kids not only learned about law enforcement,
but Ferreri made sure they learned life skills as well. “We
brought in a banker to teach the children about saving money,
credit cards, and investing. We also brought in business leaders.
We taught them how to dress for a job interview, how to write a
resumé and helped them get jobs.”
Ferreri was also instrumental in putting together the Backpack
Giveaway. Ferreri is quick to note that it took a village to create
these programs. “Volunteers stuffed the bags, and with the assistance
of Perry DonFrancisco (from Delray Citizens for Delray Police)
and Chuck Halberg, we were able to raise money from residents
and businesses to purchase backpacks and supplies.”
Another project he was lead manager of was “National Night Out.”
Over 3000 people came to celebrate life, love, and Delray. “This free
event was about breaking barriers and creating new relationships
in the community. There were local resources, music, great food,
and everyone came together from the city. It was a team effort.”
Bringing people together is a central theme in Ferreri’s life, and
his career. He is always ready to put a team together, raise funds,
and create events, safety programs, and more.
Ferreri may not talk about his accomplishments, but others do.
“Gary is a Delray Beach hero to many. His communication skills,
compassion, empathy, and integrity for those he serves (and works
with) are key to being a great police officer. Gary he is a true leader
who lives by these values,” said Chuck Halberg.
Ferreri currently works as the Night Time Watch Commander
running the Police Department from 5pm to 5am. He is responsible
for operation of the department – including nightly operations,
staffing, and making sure the officers have necessary resources.
When asked when he sleeps, he shrugs his shoulders and says,
“when I can.”
One gets the feeling that being a police lieutenant and officer of
the people is all-encompassing nourishment for this 15-year veteran
of the police force.
In the years since Ferreri stepped into his uniform it’s been a
steady climb up the ladder of commendation. He started in Road
Patrol, then POP, Detective Bureau, Crimes Against Violence and
Property, Clean and Safe Unit, Community Response, Criminal Investigations,
Internal Affairs, labor management, and more.
At the detective bureau he was investigating violent crimes and
a new terrain. “At that time the heroin epidemic was at its height. I
was then promoted to Sergeant.”
As a Sergeant Ferreri worked the night shift and oversaw a squad
of officers. From there he moved into Internal Affairs, that he credits
as one of the greatest learning experiences of his life.
From IA he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the
night shift. But Ferreri is definitely more than an employee of the
DBPD. He is a looming presence for goodness and gratefulness. “I
have had a fulfilling career here. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor
and enjoy relationships with the people I work with and people in
the community. We have a great community.”
The feeling goes both ways. “Officer Ferreri has a heart of gold.
He mentored so many children. When my foster children see him,
they light up like they’re seeing Santa Claus,” said Christie Gross.
Former Mayor Jeff Perlman calls Gary one of a kind. “He’s a model
officer because he brings so much of himself to the job. He truly
cares about the community and that sincerity endears him to the
people of Delray. This is more than a job for Gary. It’s a calling.”
You bet it is.
Law enforcement and creating space for goodness to grow is definitely
a calling for Ferreri. It’s one that has garnered him awards,
while at the same time nourished his love of being of service.
“Some of my proudest moments were being able to help and
comfort people when they were at the lowest points in their life.”
Everyone who knows Ferreri is proud of this soft-spoken leader
who relishes his partnership with other officers, city employees
and community stakeholders.
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