After his military service, Gary became a Deputy Sheriff in Lee County, FL, for two years before being hired by the Tampa Police Department, where he became the first African American to pilot a TPD aircraft. Four years later, Gary returned to the patrol division with a tour in undercover narcotics. He was then promoted to detective, investigating property crime and fraud, and received his gold shield. He was selected to join the Major Crimes Unit, where he investigated homicides, and sex and violent crimes. With retirement on the horizon, Gary decided to return to the patrol division as a supervisor and eventually retired in October 2022.

Gary is a proud father of a son and daughter, both of whom served in the military: his son for three years in the Army and his daughter for seven years in the Navy. His son will soon become a police officer, and his daughter is an Assistant State's Attorney. Gary has been battling kidney disease for 15 years and is not yet reliant on dialysis for survival. In his free time, Gary is an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast, RVer, and boater. He is currently rebuilding an old motor yacht with plans for long-distance cruising once he completes his kidney transplant journey.

Will you join us in our mission to find a kidney for Gary? Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family