Justin and I first met at a celebration for my cousin Vinny's daughter Savina's fifth birthday party. Justin, who was off work from the Chicago Police Department that year, attended the party. Our conversation began when I mentioned that I was in the hiring process with the Hanover Park Police Department. Vinny introduced Justin to me, who had a brother that had recently gone through the lateral process at Glenview Police Department.

To break the ice, Vinny handed both Justin and I shots of whiskey. I shared my progress in the hiring process with Justin, and as the night went on, I mentioned that my cousin Michael Landando had recently retired from Chicago Police Department. Surprisingly, Justin revealed that his father, David, had been partners with my cousin Michael 30 years ago. This unexpected connection led to a meaningful conversation, and Justin and I ended up talking for the rest of the night, laying the foundation for our future together.