Born in Puerto Rico, Deputy Carlos Rivera moved to Tampa when he was four years old. His parents were in search of a better life for him and his sister.
While adjusting to his new life, Deputy Rivera was bullied for being overweight and struggled to learn English.
"I was a joyful kid. I was energetic, hyper, and I had this person that doesn't know me from Adam & Eve, and then they're picking on me for no reason, so I was very upset, very, very angry," explained Deputy Rivera. "[I] had a lot of hate in me when I was a kid."
He was introduced to the sport of boxing, which became an outlet for Deputy Rivera. However, it did not solve all of his problems at the time. He fought with other kids and befriended those known for criminal activity, which led to violent attacks on him and his family. He began to turn his life around in high school, where he joined the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program at Spoto High School and met his future wife.
"It's never too late to make positive changes in your life, and Deputy Rivera is proof of that," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "By sharing his life story, I know he will encourage those kids who have also experienced a tough childhood to do better and be better. Our mission to make Hillsborough County the best place to live, work, and raise a family starts with each of us. I commend Deputy Rivera for coming forward with his story."
Deputy Rivera graduated from the law enforcement academy in 2020 and currently serves in HCSO's Patrol District V.
"Before the Badge" showcases the trials and tribulations #teamHCSO staff has faced getting to where they are today. It will highlight the many different countries they are from, as well.
The fourth episode of "Before the Badge" featuring Deputy Rivera is available for viewing here.
Anyone who is interested in applying for a career at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office should visit www.joinhcso.com for more information.
