About the Author
About The Author
Gary worked with U.S. Marshals,
ATF agents, and FBI Special Agents.
Gary Chwastiak is a retired and decorated South Heidelberg Township Police Officer and former Berks County Deputy Sheriff. During his law-enforcement career, Gary worked with U.S. Marshals, ATF agents, and FBI Special Agents. He conducted numerous criminal investigations, processed crime scenes, interviewed suspects, and made many arrests. Several of his cases reached national and international news.
He also performed prisoner extraditions and provided courtroom security for Common Pleas judges. While serving as a Deputy Sheriff, Gary taught self-defense techniques to law-enforcement personnel at the Sheriff’s Department.
Gary is a lifelong martial artist who has studied—and continues to study—many styles and disciplines, focusing mainly on Isshin-Ryu Karate and Okinawan Kenpo Karate. He has taught at several well-known dojos, as well as at his own.
He is a graduate of Wyomissing Area High School. In addition to earning his high-school diploma, he received a three-year certificate in Communications from the Berks County Technical School West Center. He later earned a B.S degree in Business Administration and Management from Marywood University, completed the Deaconate Program at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Seminary, and graduated from the City of Reading Police Academy. Gary is also a certified Continuous Improvement Problem-Solving Skills Instructor.
Today, Gary is a motivational speaker. He teaches audiences how to identify potential sex offenders, how to help children open up if they become victims, and what steps to take immediately afterward. He also speaks on how to handle uncooperative juveniles, what to know before purchasing a home or renting an apartment, how to overcome PTSD and depression, and the importance of forgiveness, helping others, and obtaining true closure.
Gary can be reached for booking information at: protodeacongregory@gmail.com