PFC Darren Belechto joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) just eight months ago, but he already has received a Lifesaving Commendation. 

Belechto says performing CPR on a man and saving his life is his most memorable moment on the job so far, but he says his greatest achievement is simply becoming a member of the department.

“Being a police officer was a childhood dream,” he says. “I always wanted to help people.”

The officer has been doing civil service work since he was 16 years old and became a volunteer firefighter in Long Island, N.Y. He also spent five years as a volunteer firefighter in Elkridge, Md., and served as director of the junior firefighter program. 

“My favorite part of the job is being able to assist the community,” says Belechto, who served in the Baltimore Police Department for 25 years. In the future, he aspires to become a member of command staff. 

Outside of work, Belechto enjoys spending time with family, hiking, mentoring, coaching lacrosse, fishing, bowling, and watching hockey. “I like to craft and go antique shopping,” he says. “My wife and I make our own cards.”