Michael Diaz

It gives me great pleasure to discuss an individual that by far and whole heartedly is a unique human being. As for me I’m Michael Diaz, a retired detective second grader, twenty year member of the New York City Police Department. I have worked in some of the most elite units in the police department through out my twenty year illustrious career. I’ve been involved in over 1000 police arrest cases and have received numerous awards and citations including the medal of Valor. I am formerly the 1996 Police American Gladiator show champion. I was featured on the Americas Heroes ESPN football special after The World Trade Center bombing. 

All of this seems to be impressive but in 1991 is when it all started happening for me. I met an older gentleman by the name of Gil Alba. He was a first grade detective who was a great source of knowledge. Immediately he took me under his wing. I was a third grade detective at the time. He constantly led me in the right path to a great future always reminding me never to forget where I came from. With his leadership and guidance he became my mentor, a brother, a friend, and sometimes a father figure. With his guidance and perseverance we became one of the best detective duos while we were assigned to the Joint Robbery Apprehension Team an NYPD-FBI Task Force. 

Solving over sixty home invasion robbery cases and working some of the most complex kidnapping cases. One in particular that will go down in New York history is the Harvey Weinstein kidnapping. Gil Alba's tenacious way of approaching a case was like a fever that would spread among his peers. I definitely caught on to this and within two years of working with him I was promoted to second grade detective. In addition to work related situations he was able to guide me through some difficult times in my personal life. We became somewhat a family. 

Ten years later Gil and I are still best of friends. Police life has taken a back step now that I am a school teacher. One of my specialties is to bring in a guest speaker, that being Gil Alba to hopefully do for others what he has done for me. Staying focused with work and family is a lot simpler when you have a Gil Alba involved in your life.

This Testimonial is for Gil Alba a special person who with no doubt in my mind possesses the strength and determination that has been gathered.