David Berez

David Berez

David Berez has dedicated his life to building safer communities and serving others. After starting his public service at age 14 as a volunteer EMT, he interned with the New York City Medical Examiner’s Officer following graduation from college and then became a Police Officer. During his law enforcement career with the East Windsor Police Department in New Jersey, he has served the public in many capacities, including: Primary Officer-In-Charge, Field Training Officer, the elite Pro-Active Squad, Bike Patrol Officer, DARE Instructor, Evidence Technician, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and multiple detachments to the Investigative Services for Special Assignments. David is a court-recognized Expert Witness in multiple jurisdictions for his knowledge and expertise in drug-related DUI cases.

David is a lifelong learner and holds a Master's in Positive Psychology (MAPP19) from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.A. in Social Sciences from Hofstra University with a concentration in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of the Ocean County Police Academy, Class #72. He was trained as a Drug Recognition Expert in 2007 and served in that capacity until 2019, when he retired from active duty. David is also a trained Emergency Manager and served as the OEM Coordinator in Hopewell, NJ from 2021 to 2023.

David is a certified Resiliency Program Officer and Master Resiliency Trainer who works with others to live a life of purpose and supports LEOs and veterans who are suffering with their own mental health and career transitions. He is a facilitator with Resilient Minds on the Front Lines and is a consultant for the State of New Jersey’s Resiliency Program. David is a lead facilitator, mentor and Storyteller with The Power of Our Story and has been a featured guest on many podcasts. David is an internationally published writer on topics of Law Enforcement, mental health and current events. David’s book was published in September 2023. The book is titled, A Resilient Life: A Cops Journey in Pursuit of Purpose. He is also the author of a chapter in Wounds to Wisdom: Healing through Veteran and First Responder Narratives.