Greg Hegyes
FDLE Certified • United States Navy Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) • FMF Warfare Specialist
Veteran Liaison, Ambassador · Law Enforcement Officer · United States Navy Corpsman First Class
Greg Hegyes is a veteran of both law enforcement and the United States Navy, with more than 20 years of service dedicated to protecting and supporting his country and his local community. In 2009, Greg became FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) certified and has since served in the patrol division, undercover operations, SWAT, and crime prevention.
“I consider my assignments as a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer to be the most impactful and fulfilling,” Greg recalls as he looks back on his career. Responding to those experiencing a traumatic event is when Greg felt he had the most opportunity to provide immediate resources to individuals struggling with mental health and emotional crises. Those experiences have reinforced Greg’s belief in the importance of compassion, understanding, and “meeting people where they are at” during the most difficult moments of their lives. “I’ve often worked with people who felt they had nowhere else to turn,” Greg says.
Greg has been duly recognized for his service and commitment to protecting others throughout his law enforcement career. In 2009 he became a recipient of the Purple Heart, and in 2010 he received the Central Florida ACIS Award for Valor and Heroism for undergoing a line-of-duty injury while apprehending a felon.
Alongside his career in law enforcement, Greg has dedicated nearly a decade to serving as an active-duty member in the United States Navy and now in the Navy Reserve. He served as a Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) and received his Fleet Marine Force Warfare Device Pin after successfully completing the FMF Warfare Specialist program. Alongside receiving medals for good conduct, overseas service, and expert rifle, Greg also received the Korean Defense Medal and the GWOT (Global War on Terrorism) medal.
In 2025, Greg became an Ambassador of Protecting The Guardian. “I noticed the pride he held for his service in the military and also as a law enforcement officer, which is why I sponsored his ambassadorship with our organization made up of first responders and military veterans,” says Maya Tolentino, PTG Board Member.
In 2026, Greg earned his title as Protecting The Guardian’s Veteran Liaison, as he remains committed to supporting the veteran community with their struggles with mental wellness. “My experience in both law enforcement and the military have given me a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others,” Greg says.
His veteran peer-to-peer counseling focuses on positive mental wellness strategies, balance of physical and mental health, and overall quality of life. Greg can often be seen advocating for veterans during Protecting The Guardian training classes, community events, and first responder conferences. Greg continues to serve in the Navy Reserve, providing medical care and mental wellness resources to Marines and Sailors.
In his free time, Greg enjoys activities to maintain his physical fitness, kayaking in the local springs, camping, and taking his dog Chewie on nature hikes.
