ABOUT ME
Born in the Dominican Republic, Sgt. Gonell immigrated to the United States as a boy. He spoke no English and was unprepared for the dangers of his new life in Brooklyn. He worked hard to give back to the country that took him in and offered him the opportunities to thrive. Sgt. Gonell's patriotism led him to join the U.S. Army, and shortly after deployed to Iraq for 545 days. He witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and upon his return, he was diagnosed with PTSD. Back in the States, he continued his education. He pursued and landed a job with the U.S. Capitol Police. He’d achieved the American Dream. What He couldn’t have predicted was that he was on a collision course with history.
Sgt. Gonell continues to be an advocate for democracy and public safety, often sharing his experiences and perspectives on the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and veterans, to the public, elected officials, the media, and the courts. He remain active in community engagement and participates in discussions and initiatives aimed at improving the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.Follow his journey on social media bellow.When Sgt. Gonell kissed his wife and son goodbye and went to work as a member of the U.S. Capitol Police on the morning of January 6, 2021, he didn’t expect that he might never see them again. Yet, that is almost what happened. As an angry mob of insurrectionists, goaded by the losing president intent in remaining in power by force, descended upon the Capitol complex. Sgt. Gonell put his life on the line to protect EVERYONE inside America’s most sacred democratic institution. It wasn’t the first time he sacrificed for his country.