Police Officer Sean Gutfleisch has always seen the value of making a difference in the community. So, in 2023, when he traded in his NYPD badge to become a member of the Long Beach Police Department, it was no surprise to see the impact that he’s having now.
Gutfleisch, 26, spends a lot of time volunteering for different units. In the summer, he can be found patrolling the beach on a Polaris, or on foot. During the winter months, he joins the plainclothes unit, taking narcotics off the street.
Police Commissioner Richard DePalma, who has been with the department for over two decades, called Gutfleisch a special cop and said he’s always eager to pitch in. “Sean is just a great, energetic young cop,” DePalma said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
The young officer’s skills were put to the test on July 17, when he rescued a young boy from the water near Laurelton Boulevard. It was a hot day, after hours, when lifeguards were not on duty — and there was a rip current. Gutfleisch said the situation was intense; he was flagged down by the boy’s family, including his mother, who was very distraught. There was also a language barrier.
“I could see the boy was pretty far out struggling to keep his head above the water,” Gutfleisch said. In the blink of an eye, Gutfleisch radioed lifeguard headquarters on Riverside Boulevard, locked up his equipment, and dove into the water.
“I just wanted to make sure I grabbed him,” he said of the boy in distress. “I’m not the best swimmer, but I felt confident I would be able to pull him out.”
As a member of the plainclothes unit, Gutfleisch and his partner, Kevin Rice, arrested a young person with a firearm at the Centre Street bus terminal on Jan. 27. “It was great to be able to pull that loaded firearm off the individual so they couldn’t harm anyone,” he said.
As a kid, Gutfleisch frequented the Long Beach boardwalk and the beach. He went on to graduate from Wantagh Senior High School in 2017. A former football and basketball player, he joined the NYPD in 2021 and spent two years in what was then known as the 105th Precinct, serving Queens Village, Glen Oaks, Rosedale and Laurelton.
On Feb. 7, Gutfleisch was honored at the Second Annual Law and Order Night for his service. The night of recognition, led by the American Legion Post 972 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1384, highlighted first responders in the community for their excellence and bravery.
When recalling the acknowledgment, Gutfleisch said that receiving the award was a testament to the camaraderie in the department and thanked his peers for their support.
“Joining the Long Beach Police Department was a great opportunity to further my career in law enforcement,” he said. “Every one of us could be recognized for the stuff we do every day. It just so happened to be me this time.”