By Mercedes Guzman, Media Relations Staff

When a new section of the WTC Transportation Hub Oculus opened last week, connecting the PATH station to nine New York City subway lines, PAPD Officer Gilbert Sinuet’s patriotic and soulful rendition of the National Anthem filled the grand hall during the ceremony marking the historic occasion.

PAPD Officer Gil Sinuet

Once, Sinuet was among the top 30 competitors on the hit television show American Idol where he performed Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky.” He’s also sung back-up for well-known freestyle and salsa singer George Lamond.  Not every singer has the lung capacity to belt out the National Anthem at an NFL game, but Sinuet does. His a cappella voice has soared over the crowds at MetLife Stadium.

Sinuet discovered his voice while in high school when a friend paid him to sing to a love interest. He sang “Together Forever” by Shai, and his buddy got the girl.  That’s when he knew for sure he had a special gift. Yet despite his obvious talent and musical successes, Sinuet considers himself fortunate to be living his other dream: a true calling to law enforcement.

“I get the chance to serve and protect Port Authority facilities as well as sing,” said Sinuet, 37, who began pursuing a career in law enforcement with the PAPD after his mother survived the September 11 attacks.

After the attack, Sinuet shifted his attention away from singing and focused on becoming a police officer.  After completing his exams and waiting patiently for a phone call, PAPD called him just before he reached the PAPD’s age limit of 35.

Towards the end of his Police Academy training, someone discovered videos of him singing on YouTube and began showing it around.  Everyone quickly found out that Sinuet had a wonderful voice and that’s how he became the PAPD singer. He now sings the National Anthem at major Port Authority events.  As the saying goes:  follow your bliss and the rest will follow, which has been the case for Sinuet, who is assigned to the Newark Liberty International Airport Command.

“I have a rare opportunity.  It’s the best of both worlds to be able to share the gifts that God has given me,” he said.