Chief Gustavo “Gus” Medina has over 25 years of experience in public safety, having started his career in 1999 in New Jersey. Early Career: He began in New Jersey, working with the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the Newark Police Department. Leadership Roles: Before moving to Florida, he rose through the ranks from Sergeant to become the Deputy Police Director in Newark Police Department (NJ). He then went on to briefly supervise the Essex County Prosecutors Office, holding the Rank of Lieutenant before being hired as the Chief at the Tequesta Police Department (FL) in mid 2018. Education: Medina holds a Master’s degree in Administrative Sciences and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (SPI) Academy. Key Initiatives in Tequesta after assuming command taking over leadership of the 20-officer department, Medina has focused on modernizing training and strengthening community ties: Mental Health & Well-being: He pioneered a “Blue Suicide” prevention program by integrating a chaplain, directly into the department to provide crisis intervention and support for officers and civilian staff. Technology & Training: Medina introduced high-tech virtual reality simulators for active-threat response training, funded through special law enforcement funds rather than taxpayer money. Community Engagement: Medina is known for personal community outreach, including “community walks” to meet residents and unique programs like police-led birthday surprises for local children during the pandemic. Youth Mentorship: In September 2024, he launched the Tequesta Police Explorers Post #357, a program designed to give young adults hands-on experience in law enforcement careers.
A New Approach: Chief Medina & Pastor Paul work to prevent Blue Suicide
The Blue Magazine
Tequesta Police Chief Gus Medina has been named president of … – Instagram
