Single mother from Bushwick responds to ad, becomes matriarch of a family connected to the NYPD.
In a significant turn of events that has shaped a Brooklyn family’s legacy, Marilyn Ozuna, a Puerto Rican-born single mother, found herself at a crucial crossroads in 1994 after a life-altering divorce. While perusing a newspaper, she stumbled upon an advertisement calling for recruits to join the New York Police Department (NYPD). This chance encounter ignited a transformative journey not only for her but also for her four children, who would all follow in her footsteps to serve in law enforcement.
At the age of 32, Ozuna embarked on her NYPD career, proudly making a statement that demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her family. Reflecting on her motivations, she stated that she wanted her children to witness that substantial achievements are possible regardless of their circumstances. With initial apprehension about the challenges she faced in the Police Academy, including rigorous physical training, Ozuna persevered, driven by the desire to set a positive example for her children.
Today, Ozuna, now a retired detective of 25 years, has seen two of her children become detectives within the NYPD. Her daughter, Rose Martinez, and son Jorge Ozuna proudly hold detective titles, while another daughter, also named Marilyn, serves as a police officer. Her youngest son, Anthony Phillips, is on the brink of graduating from the Police Academy, carrying on the family tradition.
According to Ozuna, her children were not pressured into law enforcement careers; however, the stories shared during family dinners about her experiences on the job allowed them to envision a similar path. Throughout their upbringing in Bushwick, she emphasized the importance of having a structured plan for the future, inspiring them with her own journey of dedication and commitment to community service.
The significance of Ozuna’s legacy extends beyond her immediate family, highlighting the impact of multicultural identity in law enforcement. As she navigated her career, she consistently embraced her Hispanic heritage, asserting that it fortified her relationships with the community she served. Both she and her daughter Marilyn have observed that communicating in Spanish provides a sense of security for those they meet on the job, fostering trust and understanding in diverse communities.
As the family prepares for Anthony’s imminent graduation and considers the future of their NYPD lineage—Rose’s son has expressed interest in joining the force—the Ozuna lineage exemplifies the profound potential for service and strength inherent in families from all backgrounds. This remarkable narrative of determination in the face of adversity stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating that with commitment, one can overcome challenges and inspire future generations.
