Columbia Police Officer Goes Above And Beyond The Call Of Duty, Each And Every Shift
When trying to define the role of a police officer, a simple definition is that they protect and serve their communities.
But for many cops, such as Officer Czeladko, being a police officer means so much more than just putting on a badge, patrolling neighborhoods, and making arrests.
Czeladko, who is a police officer with the Metro Division in Columbia, South Carolina, goes above and beyond what is expected of a cop.
Czeladko isn’t just protecting his community, he’s also a resident of Columbia and strives to get to know the citizens who reside in the city.
In truth, he takes great pride in helping to build relationships in the city he loves. For example, he baked a cake for a little boy who was turning five years old. Czeladko first met the child’s mother several years earlier, when the child was still in the womb.
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Sure, chances are, if you have an interaction with a police officer, it’s because you’re not having a good day.
Whether the police officer is responding to a motor vehicle accident, a break-in, or an assault, the victim breathes a sigh of relief when cops arrive to assess the situation.
In other instances, you may encounter a police officer during a traffic violation, or could be placed in handcuffs and put in the back of a police cruiser after a drug offense — Or because you commited a crime.
Police respond to a multitude of calls each day that they are on shift. While some calls are very routine, others require split second decisions that quite possibly change the outcome of the situation.
Officer Czeladko received a life saving award in 2017 for pulling a woman out of a vehicle that had caught fire as a result of a hit-and-run. More recently, he pulled a man who was contemplating suicide from the ledge of the eighth floor of a parking garage — Undoubtedly saving his life.
When asked about these events, Czeladko insists he’s just doing his job. His altruistic demeanor and unwavering bravery has had an impact on countless individuals — Both on and off the job.
It’s no surprise then that he often comes across former victims and suspects alike who thank him for helping them.
And while Officer Czeladko always remembers the call, he says there is no time to dwell about what he has accomplished, as he is always looking ahead at what is left to accomplish.
To understand this mentality, it’s worth examining how he became a police officer in the first place.
After receiving an offer letter from the Columbia Police Department seven and a half years ago, Czeladko, a New York City native, packed up his Toyota RAV4 and headed south.
With two thousand dollars to his name, and months of training ahead, the then aspiring officer alternated between living in his vehicle and staying at hotels. It was what he had to do at the time to get by. Because peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are so affordable, it was often his meal of choice back then. To this day, Czeladko still eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich daily — to remind him just how far he’s come.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Czeladko doesn’t consider his job work. Instead, he aligns his time on the force with his passion to serve, and believes every shift is an opportunity to do something great.
For Officer Czeladko, every day is truly a blessing. You can learn more about Officer Czeladko by listening to his interview on the Francene Marie Show.
QCWriter is a journalist who is fueled by espresso and motivated by determination. She specializes in pop culture, country music, and news content.
