Xavier Duran’s Journey to Becoming an NYPD Officer
Xavier Duran, one of 588 new NYPD officers who graduated during a Madison Square Garden ceremony, has wanted to become a cop since he was 9 years old. His journey began when he was inspired by the heroic actions of retired Sergeant Lino Minetto.
Inspiration from a Heroic Act
Minetto and Duran initially connected on March 12, 1998, in Corona, Queens. Duran, his brother, and his sister had been struck by a vehicle along 36th Avenue in Corona, Queens, and Minetto came to the family’s aid. Minetto recalled the event:
“I got there with my partner, we noticed his sister was in the middle of the crosswalk. Basically, the leg was dangling off her body, and she was bleeding to death, barely conscious. We didn’t want to wait for the ambulance, thinking that she might bleed to death. So we grabbed a plastic blanket that was carried in the back of the police car and basically scooped her up, put her on my lap, and we just started flying to Elmhurst Hospital to try to get there as quickly as possible. Everything fell into place, and luckily, the doctors were able to save her, unfortunately, not the leg, but I think the doctors did great work.”
A Lifelong Dream Realized
Seeing how Minetto and his partner swooped into action and saved his sister’s life inspired Duran to follow in their footsteps and become an officer.
“One officer could impact a whole family, like this gentleman did to my family. Not only that, he impacted generations, because that story, I’m gonna bring it down from generation to generation, my kids and my kids’ kids, they will also know this: that I became an officer because he saved my family,” Duran said.
A Unifying Moment
Duran invited Minetto to Madison Square Garden on October 31 to celebrate his graduation from the NYPD Academy, and the realization of a dream the sergeant had inspired in him 26 years earlier. Both men became emotional reuniting after the ceremony just as the confetti settled on the ground.
“I get emotional every time I see him. I’m so lucky to be here at this time knowing that the gentleman that changed my life forever is here in front of me,” Duran said. “I want to do the same, not only for one family, but for everyone I encounter.”
A Tribute to a Hero
Minetto wiped tears from his eyes, beaming with honor.
“It breaks my heart with pride. He’s going to be an amazing police officer, and he is going to give back to this city and to the world. He and his family are outstanding human beings.”
Conclusion
Xavier Duran’s journey to becoming an NYPD officer is a testament to the impact one person can have on another’s life. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the difference one can make in the lives of others.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Xavier Duran to become an NYPD officer?
A: Xavier Duran was inspired by the heroic actions of retired Sergeant Lino Minetto, who saved his sister’s life when he was 9 years old.
Q: What was the heroic act that inspired Duran?
A: Minetto and his partner rescued Duran’s sister, who was injured in a vehicle accident, and rushed her to the hospital to save her life.
Q: What is Duran’s goal as an NYPD officer?
A: Duran wants to make a positive impact on the lives of others, just as Minetto did for his family, and to give back to the community.
