A 10-year veteran of the Niagara Falls (NY) Police Department—who joined the law enforcement profession after having served his community as a teacher—has announced his candidacy for a school board seat.

According to the Niagara Gazette, Paul Kudela—who has worked as a patrol officer for the department and is currently a detective—said that his background as a former teacher in the Niagara Falls City School District will allow him to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of education for all students.

Kudela said in a written statement announcing his candidacy, "Encouraging input from teachers that work on the ground level will provide the district with the valuable information to maximize student achievement and maintain fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers."

Kudela said further, "Serving Niagara Falls as a police officer provides me with the opportunity to provide expertise to improve the safety of our students and staff throughout the district."

The election is scheduled for May, 2019.