Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘Starting later in life, I don’t feel I missed out. I’m a firm believer that everything happens in its time.’

Selden

“I was told I was singing in the stroller, so music has always been part of my life. My dad was a FDNY lieutenant, but also sang professionally, so there was always music in our house. I performed as a teen, but there was resistance against singing as a career. My family said, ‘you need to have something solid, you need to take civil service exams,’ and that having a pension and benefits was important. I did go to college but took the exams too, and the Nassau County Police Department was the job I chose, and I loved it. I started in the Fourth Precinct, then worked at District Court and retired as a Detective-Sergeant.

“While in law enforcement, I did manage artists and worked as a concert promoter. So, while I stayed in music, at that point I wasn’t center stage. I fell back on that dream for a while, but I was the Department Vocalist. I’d come out with the Color Guard, and I sang the National Anthem at Nassau Coliseum! It provided opportunities to do what I love, while doing what I loved.

In 2014, I recorded my first single. I thought ‘You only live once, let me give it a try,’ and it turned out to be a great first try, because the song ended up on the radio.

“In 2014, I recorded my first single. I thought ‘You only live once, let me give it a try,’ and it turned out to be a great first try, because the song ended up on the radio. I took it from there, while still working in law enforcement, doing both careers simultaneously. My supervisors were supportive, because I always did what I was supposed to be doing, so it was never an issue.

“Starting later in life, I don’t feel I missed out. I’m a firm believer that everything happens in its time. If I didn’t listen to my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am. When I was younger, sometimes I would wonder what if, but today I don’t. My evolution in life has made me better artistically. I haven’t performed live since before the pandemic, but I’m getting ready to do some shows.

“I only retired in April, so I was still an officer then. My former coworkers still check in, and let me know that I’m missed, which makes me feel good, that I did my job. It was time for me though, I’m big on not staying past your expiration date with anything in life. I’m grateful for having worked with the NCPD. I have no complaints. I loved it while I did it, and I love where I am. What can I complain about? Nothing.”

Interviewed by Ian J. Stark