Daniel Clement, 22, officially joined the New York Police Department (NYPD), continuing a proud family tradition alongside his father, a deputy inspector, and his older brother, both dedicated members of the force.
The youngest of three children, Clement said, growing up in an NYPD household shaped his path. “I would see my dad come home with all his gear and stories from the day,” he said during an interview with Caribbean Life. “Watching my brother join, too, I was inspired. I want to help anyone in danger and be of service to New Yorkers.”
Born in New York to Caribbean parents, his father from Guyana and his mother from Trinidad and Tobago, Clement said his family’s sacrifices motivated him. “We were a single-income household. My dad worked very hard to ensure we were taken care of, he said. “I want to honor that by being passionate about this job.”
He recently completed rigorous academy training, describing it as real-world preparation. “The instructors put you through obstacles to prepare for anything: a robbery, domestic violence, or family disputes. You never know what’s coming,” he said.
Ambitious about his career, Clement humorously shared a personal goal: surpassing his father’s rank. “Right now he’s a deputy inspector, but my brother and I joked about outranking him before he retires,” he said.
To young New Yorkers considering a career in law enforcement, Clement offered encouragement. “I was skeptical at first, but once I settled in and made friends, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” he said. He added that the department continues to seek recruits. “The NYPD needs people, and standards are maintained to ensure the best service.”
A supervising lieutenant praised Clement’s drive, saying, “He’s ambitious and focused. With determination, he’ll progress quickly through promotions.”
The young officer said his focus remains on serving the community. “I want to be the officer who answers when people are in need,” he said, underscoring the commitment to a legacy of public service and family dedication.
