Melvin Rodriguez Jr

The PSEF is a specialized unit in the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. All members are duly sworn peace officers and possess those powers necessary to carry out their duties. The PSEF works in conjunction with Westchester County Police in a variety of details throughout the county. Deputy Rodriguez is also authorized by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Operation Amberjack - Hurricane Michael Response, December 2018

Team Rubicon is an international disaster response nonprofit that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans, first responders and kick-ass civilians to rapidly provide relief to communities in need. Founded in 2010 with the expressed goal of quickly responding to large-scale disasters, Team Rubicon has deployed thousands of volunteers across the United States and the world to provide relief to communities in need.

Military Bio

SGT Melvin Rodriguez has served in the New York Guard since 2017.

Between May of 2023 and January of 2025, SGT Rodriguez served on State Active Duty on the Asylum Seeker Resource Support (ASRS) mission. He served in various roles, including shift leader at a migrant shelter, and as a Navigator Facilitator (NF) traveling to various sites collecting migrant data for the NYC Dept of Homeless Services.

On January of 2024, during his time on the ASRS mission, SGT Rodriguez completed all the requirements and was awarded the Senior Military Emergency Management Specialist badge.

In May of 2022, SGT Rodriguez was transferred to the 2nd Platoon, 56th Company (formerly 17th Detachment, 56th Area Command), serving at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh NY. SGT Rodriguez was the Acting S1 for the 56th Area Command from December of 2020 to May 2022. When he transferred he became the Squad Leader of Squad 2, Team A.

In December of 2021, then CPL Rodriguez was promoted to E5/Sergeant. In September of 2021, CPL Rodriguez successfully completed the NYG Primary Leadership Course. In July of 2021, he was promoted to the rank of E4/Corporal which better reflected the supervisory responsibilities he had within the S1 section.

In the Spring of 2020, then SPC Rodriguez served on State Active Duty (SAD) as part of the COVID-19 mission. SPC Rodriguez served at Joint Force Headquarters in Latham NY. He was assigned the role of COP Manager, maintaining the common operating picture within the Joint Operations Center. According to his Battle Captain, Justin Kupinski (ARNG), SPC Rodriguez quickly adapted to his role, and his performance was outstanding. In January of 2020, SPC Rodriguez was assigned to take on a leadership position as S1 Personnel NCO.

In December of 2019, for his exemplary performance throughout the training year 2019, SPC Rodriguez was awarded the NYG Soldier of the Year. In November of 2019, SPC Rodriguez completed the requirements to earn the SGAUS Military Emergency Management Specialist Badge (Basic). In September of 2019, during Annual Training, SPC Rodriguez was assigned as an Administrative Specialist to the S1 section. His performance was above and beyond what was required of his title. Within the span of a week, SPC Rodriguez was able to adjust TDA slots, process promotions, and assist in writing awards for 56AC service members.

In December of 2018, then PFC Rodriguez was promoted to E4/Specialist. In September of 2018, PFC Rodriguez completed Initial Entry Training at Camp Smith.

In 2017, following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, PFC Rodriguez was ordered into state active duty in October of 2017. Not being prior military, nor having had any prior New York Guard training, he learned basic military bearing and skills on the spot in order to acclimate with New York Guard standards and protocols. Melvin Rodriguez enlisted in the New York Guard in July of 2017, assigned to the 56th Area Command, 1st Detachment. He entered service at the rank of Private First Class.