In the latest GALLS® Next Generation of Protectors feature, Officer Samantha Moraes of the Apopka Police Department opens up about her journey into law enforcement, her passion for helping people, and what it means to serve with heart.
“My name is Samantha Moraes. I'm a police officer with the Apopka Police Department for a little over a year,” she says. “I went to Florida Highway Patrol for their academy. Unfortunately, I got injured, and came back to Orlando.”
After recovering, she graduated from the police academy and began work at the Apopka Police Department.
Moraes says her family has supported her from the start. “When my mom heard that I was joining law enforcement, she looked at me and she was like, ‘Well, I can never see you doing anything different, like you were born for that, and I'm super proud that you're now pursuing that.’”
She credits her decision to join Apopka PD to the example of her academy instructors. “I went to Seminole College, and I had many instructors from Apopka. They were the coolest. They were my favorites,” she recalls. “Not just I had a good interaction with the instructors, but also the benefits… and everything they told us, and they were always telling good things about the department and the fast pace too.”
As one of the few female officers on her squad, Moraes says she’s treated as an equal. “I'm the only female in my squad,” she says. “They treat me as an equal, and they respect me. I love it.”
When asked what advice she has for others considering the profession, Moraes didn’t hesitate. “This career is about heart. You really need to have it in you,” she said.
“It's a job that you need to be passionate about. It's about being there on the most difficult times for… the people going through the worst days in their lives, and you're going to be there.”
For Moraes, the reward comes in seeing the impact of her service. “You can see in their eyes when you are the solution, and they lean on you,” she says.
“There’s different things about this profession that make us really proud. One thing is helping people and being there on their worst day. And the other thing is catching bad guys. It also brings us a huge sense of pride.”
Law Enforcement Today is proud to partner with GALLS® on the “Next Generation of Protectors” campaign, a nationwide effort to recognize and celebrate the rising stars of law enforcement. Stories like Officer Moraes’ are exactly why Law Enforcement Today and GALLS® launched the “Next Generation of Protectors” campaign.
Nominations will close on October 31, 2025.
We’re searching for the top 30 officers under 30, including rookies and rising leaders who are redefining service, sacrifice, and community policing.
All nominees will automatically be entered for the prestigious Young Officer Award presented by GALLS® at the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in April 2026.
Do you know a young officer who is making an impact? Do they lead with courage, compassion, and integrity? Tell us. Share their story and honor their sacrifice.
Law Enforcement Today is honored to join with GALLS in shining a national spotlight on these men and women. Their stories remind us that the future of law enforcement is strong and that the values of service, integrity, and sacrifice remain alive and well.
The next generation of protectors is already here, and they deserve to be seen.
Submit your nomination today and help us honor the next generation of protectors.
About GALLS®
GALLS® is proud to serve America's Public Safety and Military professionals with the broadest selection of uniforms, equipment, and solutions, along with relentless service. Founded in 1967, GALLS® is trusted by over one million Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Federal, Military, Corrections, Security, Postal, Public Transportation, and other essential workers to be their service provider. Learn more about GALLS® at www.galls.com.
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