He leads the Nassau Police Department's Third Squad and is among the department's highest-ranking Hispanic members of the force. Detective Lt. Damian Ramos has worked his way up the ranks and has proved to be an impressive success story.

Ramos is the commander of the Third Squad in one of Nassau's busiest precincts. Over his time on the force, he has racked up awards to attest to his commitment to serving the community. He has also served as a board member on the Nassau Police Hispanic Society and worked in a special unit to recruit minorities to the force.

Ramos says his parents, who are of Latin descent, instilled in him the ethic of hard work and kindness, which has guided him through his career. He is one of five children and his mother worked multiple jobs, another source of inspiration to him.

He believes his Hispanic heritage and all heritages on the Nassau County police force make the department better.

"I think it is important to acknowledge different ethnicities, different backgrounds, just to celebrate it to enjoy the culture," says Ramos.

Ramos described his Latino heritage as a joyful, colorful culture that is known for its delicious food, vibrant music and strong family values

"It's a lot of fun -- it's not for the weak," he says.

When asked about the current climate between police and the minority community, Ramos said, "The best way to move forward with restoring community relations I do think is to have a police force that really resembles the community I think that's part of the healing process."

The 39-year-old says he hopes to install the pride of his heritage in his two daughters and a son who is on the way.

Ramos has continued to accomplish more just this year -- he recently graduated from Hofstra Law School and passed the bar this past February.