I was born in Texas and my three brothers, little sister, and I were raised in South Louisiana in Ponchatoula. My brothers and I all enjoyed playing sports, and we were very involved in the community and all earned baseball scholarships to play in college. In my third year of college, the terror attacks of 9-11 occurred and I was convinced by my older brother to join the Army. It was one of the best decisions we ever made. My 3-year stint in the army was memorable and included one tour to Iraq. I rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5, but decided not to re-enlist after my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. I returned home and joined the Louisiana National Guard and pursued my degree in education with hopes of becoming a coach. While a student at Southeastern Louisiana University, I met my wife, Rachael. In 2006, I landed my dream job as a Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agent “Game Warden,” where I worked for 15 years. I rose to the rank of Sergeant and worked in the New Orleans region of the state.
A little over one year ago, I decided to make a career change and joined the Mandeville Police Department. It was a tough choice to make, but I was given an opportunity to work for a great department where I serve an awesome community that gives police and first responders so much support. I wanted to be active in the community where I am raising my family and help contribute to keeping it safe. I am presently assigned to Mandeville High School as their School Resource Officer.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m married to Rachael Arteaga, from Ponchatoula. Rachael graduated from Loyola Law School in 2012 and practices law as a title attorney at Crescent Title in Mandeville. Together we have two rambunctious, loving boys: William is 9 and Nate is 8. Rachael is definitely outnumbered. My boys are best friends and have many similarities and differences. William is interested in the Arts and Sciences, and loves to draw and sing, while Nate is obsessed with baseball and the outdoors.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
The thing I love most about all my careers is service and relationships. In the Army I was deployed to Iraq for a year. During that time, I participated in mission-oriented operations that required the ability to obtain information from the community. My unit worked with the members of the community to combat insurgency and maintain order and stabilization. As a Game Warden I created relationships with fisherman and hunters in the community who provided me with vital information about illegal activity in our area. Currently as a School Resource Officer I am striving to build relationships with teachers, students, and parents to ensure I can provide the utmost protection on campus.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Anything with Pat Gallagher’s name on it! I also love anything local, I love supporting small business.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
5 years in Mandeville and just over a year with MPD
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Goonies, Never Ending Story, and Big Lebowski are definitely in my top 3 for movies. I’d have to say Stranger Things, and Game of Thrones are the 2 shows that come to mind.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Something my Mom repeated to me on a daily basis growing up: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” My current one liner: is “Play Dumb Games, Win Dumb Prizes.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would invite Joe Rogan for lunch at Pyre BBQ – it would be quite an entertaining lunch!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think Mandeville is a little hidden gem: the beautiful lakefront, the trace, the restaurants, and events provide entertainment and a little something for everyone and whatever mood you may be in!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself continuing to serve the community in whatever capacity that presents itself. I also see myself supporting my family in whatever endeavors they decide to take on, whether it be athletics, entertainment, or recreation. I just want to be the best husband, father, and man I can be.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was featured as one of the game wardens on a TV show called “Louisiana Law.” My wife’s favorite episode is Season 1, Episode 4, “Mr. Bad Guy,” which is named after a quote I made when checking duck hunters in Pearl River WMA.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
going for a run on the trace on a sunny, cool day
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
my boys
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, food, love
