Troy Tavekelian

Photos by Amelia Kunhardt

Police officer, Plymouth

Tell us about yourself.

"I'm definitely a family guy."

"I'm an easy-going, middle-of-the-road guy with a sense of humor."

"I'm there for the other guys when the time comes."

"I try to establish a rapport with the people I'm dealing with to show them I care about the situation. I can talk to people effectively and change directions if the first strategy doesn't work. I think I'm approachable, even if my height might be intimidating."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Patrolman

AGE:37

HIRED IN PLYMOUTH: 2004

BIO: Tavekelian was born in Boston and spent his early years in Woburn until his family moved to Plymouth when he was 7. He graduated from Plymouth North High School in 1989. He joined the Marine Corps, where he was on active duty for 11 years and in the Reserve for four more, before taking a job as a police officer. His brother Steve is also on the force. Tavekelian said his desire for public service is inspired by former President Ronald Reagan. "He said, 'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.' I didn't want that to be me." Tavekelian and his wife, Joy, have two daughters, 17 and 10, and twin boys, 6.

What would you have been if not a police officer? "I would have stayed in the Marines."

Best advice you ever got: "Don't give up. It's always easier to quit than to make a second effort, but don't do it."

Person who gave it to you: "My father."

What do you do in your spare time? "I spend my spare time with my family. With four kids, we're busy with music and sporting events. We take vacations to my parents' house on a lake in Vermont. I like to sit on the porch and just do nothing, but we also ski and go sledding."