PORT RICHEY, FL – Port Richey Police welcomed back one of their own earlier this month when Officer Joseph Tactuk returned from a deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve.
- Port Richey Police welcome back officer home from deployment
- Joseph Tactuk serves in the Army Reserves
- Tactuk, 27, joined with PRPD five years ago
“It was rewarding to serve the country. It was always good with camaraderie in the military – something I think every soldier longs for,” said Officer Tactuk.
Tactuk, 27, is a specialist in the reserve. He says he returned from the nine month deployment in September and came back to work with PRPD on November 1.
“Coming back to work, it was like riding a bike,” Tactuk said. “You don’t forget how to ride a bike. I was just eager to come back and serve the community here.”
Tactuk joined PRPD five years ago, then signed up for the Army Reserve about a year and a half after that. He points to his family as part of the inspiration for his service, saying both of his maternal grandparents served in the U.S. Air Force.
While he was away, the department found its own way to show support.
“We had a little bit of a ceremony the day before he was deployed,” said PRPD Chief Gerard DeCanio. “He came in his military uniform, and we raised the Army flag for him.”
The original intent was to present Tactuk with that flag when he returned. DeCanio said the department’s gotten a lot of positive feedback from veterans since first raising it.
“A lot of people like to see the flag when they come in, so I’m a little bit undecided right now about that,” Tactuk said about keeping the flag. “It’s nice to see, and I do think a lot of veterans appreciate seeing the flag when they come to the police department.”
Tactuk said he’s stayed busy since his return, completing the course needed to get his Coast Guard captain’s license. He said that will help him in his work with the police department’s marine unit.
“Some guys just do this and they say it’s a job, but some guys, some officers – male and female – are passionate about this,” said Chief DeCanio. “That’s what you need – you need some passion.”
While Tactuk has this Thanksgiving off to celebrate with family, he said he’ll be thinking of those still far from home, serving the country.
“I’m always thinking about them, and I’m always thinking about veterans as a whole,” he said. “I think it’s a good time of year to check on everybody – your neighbor, your friend, your family member, but especially those who have served – this time of year. Check on them and make sure they’re doing okay and reach out.”