About:
“Every day looks different,” said Officer Gary. He has served as the Kirkwood Police Department’s Community Services Officer since 2016. “My job is to represent the city and the department in a positive light. I strive to be a resource for the department, city hall, and people in the community. Creating positive relationships with the community, residents, and businesses is key.”
One of the police department’s goals is to interact with elementary-aged children. “We want kids to know that we are 100% approachable. Parents, please don’t tell your children that we will haul them off to jail if they are bad. We want them to run to us if they are scared, not fear us. We want to show kids we are the good guys.”
Kid-focused community outreach programs like Hot Dog Dayz and Shop with a Cop have grown because of Officer Gary’s creative vision and knack for being a natural conversationalist. “I have two young kids ages 11 and 8. I’ve watched how easy it is for them to make new friendships. They go to a playground, meet a similar-aged kid, and 30 minutes later have a new best friend. I wish more adults would strike up conversations. You never know who your new best friend could be.”
Officer Gary talked about meeting one of his new best friends, Katie Mackenzie, owner of GymGuyz. “My first year running Hot Dog Dayz, Katie approached me about getting GymGuyz involved with the event,” he said. Katie offered to have the GymGuyz personal trainers create fun obstacle courses and physical activities like yoga for the kids. “Katie and I became fast friends, and now our families hang out all the time together. So many great things have come from meeting Katie. I don’t like asking people for things, but I’ve learned that if they offer, it’s perfectly OK to accept.”
Officer Gary and the Kirkwood Police Department are beyond grateful for the donations, collaboration, and participation from individuals, families, and businesses who participate in Hot Dog Dayz and Shop with A Cop. “It gives our department a feeling of positivity,” he explained. “We never became police officers to be appreciated, but it certainly is nice.”
What I do
- Public Information Officer
- Department liaison to public entities
- Station tours and presentations
- Traffic issues and traffic analysis
- Shop-With-A-Cop Program Director
- Hot Dog Dayz Program Director
- Social Media Content Manager
Contact me: Email baldriga@kirkwoodmo.org phone: (314) 822-5868 Facebook @ KirkwoodPD
Words I live by:
“You can’t do this job if you don’t talk to people. Having a conversation with adults can create change and accomplish so much. I consider myself blessed to meet new people in this community at so many different levels. Some of my best friends, like Katie Mackenzie, are people I have met through this job.”
Come Say “Hi” at Hot Dog Dayz
Avery Park
August 6th – 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meacham Memorial Park
August 13th - 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hot Dog Dayz
Every year I strive to make this event 1% better than the year before. My goal is to have Hot Dog Dayz become a forum for the community where anyone can come and hang out with our team. Whether you bring the kids to playing catch or kicking a ball with us, or just want to go for a free hot dog – we’d love to say, “Hi.”
Fun Facts about Officer Gary
+Huge Fan of 80’s music – specifically “Hair Metal Bands”
+Serious collector of GI Joe Action Figures