For Dave Perez, being the security manager at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is about much more than keeping the senior living campus a safe environment. It’s about building relationships, listening to residents and making sure everyone feels welcome, respected and secure.

Since joining Oak Hammock in January 2025, Perez has brought years of leadership experience, a strong sense of responsibility and a people-first approach to his role.

Perez’s gentle demeanor and attentive nature make him an engaging presence. Soft-spoken yet deeply focused, he listens with intention and seeks to build meaningful connections with those around him.

Originally from Watertown, Massachusetts in the Boston area, Perez moved to the Bronx, New York, at age 12. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, an all-boys Catholic school, where he participated in football and wrestling. Growing up, many of his friends would eventually pursue careers in law enforcement and the fire service.

Perez went on to become a captain with the New York City Police Department, or NYPD, developing the leadership, management, safety measures and decision-making skills that continue to serve him today.

Perez’s career in law enforcement included difficult and defining experiences. On September 11, 2001, he and his colleagues responded amid the unfolding tragedy in New York City. He lost two friends that day, Sergeant Rodney C. Gilles and Detective Joseph V. Vigiano.

In the aftermath, Perez and his fellow officers continued serving through long shifts and demanding assignments. The experience left a lasting impact, and later Perez sought counseling to help cope with its effects. His story reflects both the personal cost of public service and the importance of support and resilience.

As the Oak Hammock Security Manager, Perez oversees the security team, including hiring, orientation, training, scheduling and performance evaluations. He also helps maintain a safe campus through regular patrols and attention to fire prevention, theft prevention and unauthorized entry. His goal is not simply to manage a security team, but to help create an community environment where residents and team members feel comfortable, supported and cared for.

Perez takes pride in his work and believes in leading by example. He is always willing to step up when needed, support his team and find ways to improve the department.

“Every day is a new learning experience,” Perez says. He appreciates the opportunity to apply his experience while continuing to learn and grow alongside a dedicated team of security officers. They all have a shared responsibility for the safety concerns of our senior living community.

At Oak Hammock, Perez brings together the leadership skills he developed throughout his career and the personal values that guide him every day. For him, security is ultimately about enhancing the resident care and making a positive difference in their lives.

Perez is well liked by his peers and fellow team members. As Security Officer Tanya Rickenbacher said, “Dave a.k.a. Chief is great to work with and for. He is very understanding and supports his officers. He is also compassionate about the residents and their well being. He is very much so down to earth.”

Recently Perez reflected on his role at Oak Hammock:

What do you like most about your job?

I really like my job, and the most rewarding part is the connection I have developed with Oak Hammock residents. My approach to service is deeply personal, shaped in part by my close relationship with my mother, Elizabeth Perez, who is 82.

I treat everyone the way I would want to be treated, which is the philosophy behind my work.

For me, having a close connection with the residents is an important part of the job. Responding to the residents’ concerns is essential, but following up on safety protocols and showing genuine interest in their well-being can make the experience even more meaningful.

That same sense of connection shapes how I approach my work at Oak Hammock. I believe residents deserve to feel safe, respected and confident that someone is listening when they have a concern.

I also have a great team of security officers to work with. They are all dedicated professionals who strive to make a difference.

How do you apply WeCare values to what you do?

The WeCare values of welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic, is an exact representation to what I have always done. I believe a warm greeting, a smile and a genuine interest in how someone is doing can make a meaningful difference.

I also follow a personal standard I call “CPR,” which is courtesy, professionalism and respect.

Whether I am checking on a resident’s concern, following up on an issue, or simply stopping by for a conversation, I understand the importance of being approachable and present. I try to visit our residents in person because I believe face-to-face communication helps people feel heard and valued.

One great example is my relationship with resident Gail Robinson. When she approached me regarding her concerns about the security of the greenhouses, I worked with her to address them by adding patrols and security cameras. Our connection has continued beyond that initial concern. After Gail experienced a recent illness, I stopped by to see how she was doing. We enjoy visiting together and Gail especially appreciates hearing the stories from my NYPD days.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Away from work, I have a variety of interests that might surprise those who know me primarily as a community safety and security professional. I am a longtime automobile enthusiast whose collection has included a Ford Mustang Cobra, a Dodge Challenger SRT8 and a 1976 Plymouth Barracuda.

I also enjoy motorcycles and have extensive experience riding British, Italian and Japanese models. My enthusiasm extends to the racetrack, where I previously raced at New Jersey Motorsports Park, with the present Japanese race bike.

More recently, I have discovered a new passion: gardening. As a first-time homeowner, I have found enjoyment in growing flowers and caring for my home landscape, which is a surprising but welcome change from someone who spent much of his life in a big city.

Family remains an important part of my life. My parents instilled in me a strong appreciation for service and hard work, and three to four times a year I make regular trips to the Bronx to visit my mother and sister, Annette Perez, to stay connected.

“Oak Hammock struck gold when they hired Chief David Perez to head up our security. David’s career with the NYPD has benefited us here at Oak Hammock with the fascinating stories of his police work in NYC, but more importantly, with his professionalism and know-how.  David has been a huge help to me in knowing the best security cameras and their placement in garden areas and he has been responsive and helpful when security issues have arisen there. I am happy David Perez is our security chief and have really enjoyed working with him.” – Gail Robinson, resident

“Dave is someone I admire for his heroic efforts. He is a caring and understanding manager that I am grateful to have the privilege to work with. If I had to pick a manager again, it would be Dave!” – Security Officer Katrina Peterson

“As the neighborhood surrounding Oak Hammock continues to grow, our commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents, staff and visitors remains unwavering. Under the leadership of Security Director Dave Perez, we have the experience, professionalism and community-focused approach needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges while protecting the quality of life we value today. Security is a shared responsibility: If you see something, say something.” – Karen Miller, resident