Col. Oscar Perez's journey from Colombia to Providence police chief

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Elma Street in South Providence is where it all began for Providence police Col. Oscar Perez.

On a cold December night, 13-year-old Perez flew with his dad from Medellin, Colombia, to New York.

It was his first time on a plane.

"They gave me a warm napkin. I thought it was something warm to eat. My dad and I looked across the aisle and someone was washing their hand with it," said Perez.

At the time, he did not speak any English and did not have a jacket for the cold weather he would soon encounter.

His uncle was a mechanic in Providence and helped the Perezes by putting them up in an attic on Elma Street.

He said his dad spent his days working, while Perez attended Roger Williams Middle School.

"Somebody was making fun of my sneakers," he said.

It led to a fight, and Perez was suspended.

"I got suspended and sent home, and my dad, he gave me a lesson I'll never forget," he said.

His dad told him, "You came to this country to make something happen."

Perez said he replied, "I need a pair of Nikes or I'm not going back."

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Four months later, his mom, grandmother, and three siblings arrived from Colombia.

He said their arrival helped keep him on track.

"For me, it was the values instilled into me by my father. My grandmother was extremely religious, as was my mother, may her rest in peace," said Perez.

After high school, he went to college, and eventually accomplished his dream of joining the Providence police force.

"I will always say this is the country of opportunities. I'll be the first person to pick up a rifle to defend this country," said Perez.

Now, in his office, he proudly displays photos of his own family.

Two grown children, and his wife Trinidad, who was his teenage sweetheart.

Perez said he has only fired his gun twice while an officer.

One of those times was during a highway shooting in Providence in November 2017.

He was one of the first to arrive at the scene.

"I don't think anyone wants to shoot their weapon as an officer," said Perez.

He said looking back, he sees the young man on Elma Street, and the struggles he endured to get here.

"It makes you reflect, that if you work hard and you want certain dreams. No matter where you come from, even if you don't know the language. Not even knowing what hello means. You can do it. I'm the chief. Proud moment but I have a big job," said Perez.