Steven Gentile stands out as one of Rockland County’s most distinguished law enforcement officers, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to public service and his remarkable achievements in the field. Born in New York in 1964, Steven’s journey from a young, ambitious recruit to the highest-decorated police officer in Rockland County history has been defined by his exceptional dedication and courage. “I always knew I wanted to help people,” Steven says. “Having a tough childhood, I realized that many people go through life with burdens on their shoulders. If during my encounter with them I can make their situation better, I’ve succeeded. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“It was a moment that tested everything I had learned and what I was made of. You don’t think about the danger; you think about your duty and succeeding.”
Meeting Steven at a community event in Rockland County, I was struck by his passion for service and his drive to make a difference. He recounted stories from his early days with the Orangetown Police Department. “Every shift was an opportunity to serve and protect,” he shared. His career-defining moment came on June 18, 1993, when a routine patrol turned into a life-threatening encounter. During a high-speed chase through the Pearl River High School’s parking lot, Steven’s quick thinking and bravery in facing and exchanging gunfire with four armed suspects, while alone, earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. “It was a moment that tested everything I had learned and what I was made of,” he recalls. “You don’t think about the danger; you think about your duty and succeeding.”
Steven’s dedication to his community and his role as a leader is evident in every story he tells. His accounts of valor and service reflect a professional deeply committed to his duty and the people he serves. “Service is not just a job; it’s a way of life,” Steven says, reflecting on his years in law enforcement and his religious convictions.
Early Life and Education
Born in New York in 1964, Steven’s early years were shaped by a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to service. He grew up in an environment that valued integrity and resilience. From a young age, Steven was inspired by stories of law enforcement officers and real-life heroes who made significant impacts on their communities. This inspiration drove him to pursue a career in criminal justice, leading him to graduate from Marist College in 1986 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Law Enforcement Career
After college, Steven initially worked in private security, including providing security for billionaires Harry and Leonia Helmsley, which eventually led him to join the Orangetown Police Department, where he quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and skilled officer. “The transition from security to law enforcement was natural for me,” Steven reflects. “I wanted to be on the front lines, in the trenches, where you had the ability to turn a poor outcome into a successful one for all involved.” His career was marked by significant achievements, driven by his commitment to protecting his community. On June 18, 1993, Steven’s bravery during a high-stakes encounter with armed suspects earned him the Medal of Honor, making him Rockland County’s highest-decorated police officer. “Facing those men that day taught me about the dedication of (possibly) giving my life for others, made even more important for the lives of children,” he says.
“Law enforcement is about facing challenges head-on and staying prepared,” Steven explains. His strategic approach to community safety and comprehensive understanding of criminal justice have made him a respected figure in the field. Colleagues admire his ability to navigate complex situations and adapt strategies to meet the community’s needs. “Steven’s strategic thinking and relentless drive set him apart in this competitive field,” says a colleague. “He has a unique ability to remain calm under pressure, which is a quality that inspires those around him,” another colleague adds.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Steven Gentile has received numerous accolades. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he has been awarded the Police Combat Cross, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and the District Attorney Award, among many others. His bravery during the Pearl River High School incident led to multiple recognitions from local and state law enforcement agencies. “Recognition is gratifying, but the real reward is knowing the community is safer,” Steven says humbly. A letter from the Police Chief’s Foundation of Rockland County highlighted his unanimous selection as the Most Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer, while the County of Rockland Office of the Sheriff commended him as one of the “Good Cops of New York.” “Steven is the kind of officer who leads by example,” said the County Sheriff. “His dedication and integrity have set a standard for all of us.”
Security Consulting
Since retiring from active duty in 2004, Steven has transitioned to a career in security consulting, where he applies his extensive experience to high-profile assignments. His work has included providing security for the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia, entrepreneur Ben Nash, actor John Candy, and, alongside the U.S. State Department, security for the Prime Minister of Israel. His ability to handle complex security challenges has earned him respect and admiration in the field.
Steven’s personal motto, “Be Ready,” encapsulates his approach to law enforcement and security. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and the dangers of complacency. This mindset has guided him throughout his career, from handling life-threatening situations to providing high-profile security for influential figures. But beyond mindset, Steven also emphasizes physical ability. “You can be mentally prepared, but if your body isn’t up to par, you will fail. As Steven recalls, “When several men are shooting at you from different vantage points, you need to be quick on your feet, to be able to move like a cat. Exceptionally fast thinking, followed by exceptionally fast agile movement, gives you your best chance of success.”
Despite the challenges and obstacles he’s faced, Steven’s commitment to public service remains unwavering. His story is a powerful reminder of the dedication required in law enforcement and the profound impact one individual can have on their community. As Steven continues to apply his expertise as a security consultant, his legacy of excellence in Rockland County serves as an inspiring example for future generations of law enforcement officers.
Interview with Steven Gentile
Did you watch any television or movies about Police before becoming a police officer?
Yes, watching a television movie about a real-life FBI Miami shootout years before I became a police officer helped save my life that day at the school. The movie depicted how the unpreparedness of the FBI cost them dearly that day, highlighting the importance of mental and physical preparation and visualization in high-pressure situations. This lesson stayed with me throughout my career and ultimately helped me navigate life-threatening encounters where my training, instincts, and preparation were crucial.
Can you describe the intense mental and emotional experience of facing a deadly encounter where your training and split-second decision-making were crucial, especially when it involved the safety of children’s lives?
With four men against me, armed with three machine guns and a .357 revolver against my one handgun, the tunnel vision you have during such encounters cannot be overstated. The reactions you put in place become almost mechanical as you resort to training and instincts. In those moments, every decision is critical, and your mind evaluates hundreds of them in microseconds. The safety of hundreds of children was in my hands, and every action I took was focused on protecting them. The experience is a weight that still affects me, especially in my sleep when my subconscious takes me back there.
What is your personal motto when it comes to law enforcement and security, and how do you apply it in your work as a security consultant?
My motto is “Be Ready.” Preparation is a police officer’s best friend, and complacency is his biggest enemy. As a security consultant, I apply this mindset to every assignment. I emphasize the importance of thorough preparation and scenario visualization to anticipate and mitigate potential risks. There are no second chances in police or security work – our pencils don’t have erasers, so my approach ensures that my team is always ready to face any challenge.
Can you share the story of how a surprising encounter during an armed robbery investigation helped you secure a position with the Orangetown Police?
While I was being considered for the Orangetown police position, an armed robbery occurred at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel in NYC. I was involved in a foot chase with a suspect who had come back to the scene and was rummaging in the bushes to find a stolen diamond. After chasing him into the subway system and tackling him, then turning him over to the NYPD Midtown North detectives, I expressed my desire to be hired by the Orangetown Police. The NYPD Midtown North Detective Lieutenant personally called Orangetown Police Chief William Crable, recommending me for the position. This unexpected encounter led to my hiring and set the course for my career in law enforcement.
Who were the most memorable colleagues you worked with during your time as a police officer, and what made them stand out to you?
Detective Robert Goldrick was the best police officer I ever worked with. He had an incredible ability to sense trouble before it happened and was always right about identifying threats. Detective Jim Neek was an influential training officer with degrees in psychology and sociology. He could diffuse tense situations with his words alone. Officers Joe Holihan, Robert Ruggiero, and Neil O’Donnell were the most fun to work with. They always had my back, were always there for me, both on and off duty, and their camaraderie made the job enjoyable.
How does mental preparation and scenario visualization contribute to handling life-threatening situations beyond what traditional training can offer?
Training provides a foundation, but mental preparation and scenario visualization are the linchpins of success in life-threatening situations. Imagining different scenarios and visualizing your responses can be invaluable during an actual threat. I learned the importance of these techniques from the police academy, where they emphasized the mindset. The ability to think ahead and anticipate potential threats is what ultimately determines success in law enforcement and security.
By playing out scenarios in your head and preparing your mind for different possibilities, you can reach back on that same information during imminent threats, and regardless that adrenaline is moving your mind at astronomical speed, you are able to pick and implement the correct action needed to give you the maximum benefit for that critical moment; interestingly, it all happens in microseconds. Mental preparation goes beyond survival; it’s about achieving success in stopping the threat before it escalates. Success to me is defined as keeping others safe. If you’re not prepared to give your life for another, law enforcement or security work is not the right field for you.
