Hero soldier dreaming to be a cop says his NYPD application remains in limbo

By REUVEN FENTON

Last Updated: 12:48 PM, October 5, 2010

Posted: 11:58 AM, October 5, 2010

Comments: 16

The Queens man who went from ex-con to hero soldier -- after Gov. David Paterson granted him a surprise Christmas pardon -- is back from Afghanistan, but no closer to fulfilling his dream of being an NYPD cop.

Army Specialist Osvaldo Hernandez, 28, who had served eight months in prison on a gun-possession rap before becoming a paratrooper in Afghanistan, had been issued a "full and unconditional" pardon on Christmas Eve by Paterson.

However, Hernandez just returned from his second tour in Afghanistan, where he supervised a team of machine gunners and was recently promoted to sergeant, but he is no closer to being a cop.

ELLIS KAPLAN

Sgt Osvaldo hernandez returns home from Afganistan.

"It's been over five years now serving in the United States Army," he told The Post today in an interview. "I've put my life on the line for this country, but that's something I feel really good about and I'm ready to do it for the NYPD."

Hernandez's lawyer said his NYPD application remains in limbo.

Hernandez said he was shot at in combat about two weeks ago when two rounds hit the hand grip of his rifle. A bullet lodged in the magazine and shrapnel lodged in his shoulder strap, he said.

"If you want to talk about close calls, that's as close as it gets," said Hernandez.

He said he hopes the NYPD will consider his application and allow him to be a cop.

"I'm just trying to be a better person," he said. "I'm just trying to demonstrate that people make mistakes and turn their lives around and become ... completely different individuals."

Topics

Comments (14)

Post Your Comment

Report Abuse

voiceof reason

10/05/2010 3:53 PM

I would like to add I thank him for his service and wish him well. Maybe his calling is in the Army.
Report Abuse

JRZpitbull

10/05/2010 3:33 PM

This dude is hot!
Report Abuse

voiceof reason

10/05/2010 3:21 PM

He keeps saying the NYPD, would any other police department in the country let him join with a Felony gun conviction? The answer is NO!
Report Abuse

JJ from NY

10/05/2010 3:06 PM

Man..........I wish this guy well.

The reasons that he might NOT get to this dream is a simple one.

1. If he testifies in Court the Defense Attorneys will have a "field day" discrediting him regarding his past.

2. No matter how well he does as a Cop the Brass will be reluctant to promote him any further than a "beat Cop" (Nothing wrong with that) because he'll be exposed to bigger cases.

3. The NYPD can't afford to take a chance losing cases that they have already spent time, money and personnel on.

Good Luck & stay safe.
Report Abuse

usmcnyc

10/05/2010 2:18 PM

When i got out of the Marines in 2003 i couldn't get the NYPD off my back. I didn't even want to take the test (never really wanted to be a cop) but took it anyway just in case. I knew a lot of guys waiting on the list for a year or 2, i finished the test, interview, background check, physical, etc and got offered the job in like 3 months. They should definitely give him a chance, he's gotta be better than that transit cop i saw last week who was missing the NYPD arm patches on his shirt LOL
Report Abuse

JimDoz

10/05/2010 1:41 PM

i meant to say they give you an extra 5 points for military service so 10 extra points in total- 5 for nyc resident- 5 for service, 87.325 is his real score, I scored a 104 before I joined the military and guess what they didnt call me, you need ti scire in the top 3-5% to get called, so stop b1tchin

/
Report Abuse

JimDoz

10/05/2010 1:36 PM

wat up wit that

10/05/2010 12:56 PM

This guy scored a 98.325 on the police exam - yeah, 100 is a perfect score.

ya well they give you 5 points for being a nyc resident and another for being in the military, so his real score is 88.25 not that good
Report Abuse

dth2libbies returns

10/05/2010 1:19 PM

Just stay in Sgt! F the NYPD. Most of them are card carrying Obama and Bloomberg supporters. You have to much love of country to join their ranks!