Oscar Ruiz

Oscar Ruiz proudly served our Nation in Vietnam as a United States Marine from 1969 to 1972. He achieved the rank of Sergeant E5 MOS Combat Engineer Specialist and Demolition Explosive Expert.

Mr. Ruiz graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Mr. Ruiz worked for the New York State Department of Corrections at the Dannemora Clinton State Correctional Facility for 17 years as a Correction Officer.

Upon moving back to the Bronx, Mr. Ruiz worked in the Pelham Parkway neighborhood, where he currently resides. Mr. Ruiz is the go-to person in his neighborhood because he is always willing to provide information or guidance to any of his neighbors.

As President of the Tenant Association, Mr. Ruiz diligently oversees six buildings. He joined his Neighborhood Watch in 2003, and he is one of the founders of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, which is a not-for-profit community-based group located in the Pelham Parkway section of The Bronx. The main goal of the Association aims at improving the neighborhood overall, and increasing the quality of life and safety that the community is striving for. He was a member of the Allerton/Pelham Parkway Community Patrol for 10 years until 2007, as well as a member of the 49th Precinct Community Council.

Dedicated to his community, Mr. Ruiz currently volunteers his time at the Albanian American Open Hand Association Food Pantry and the Islamic Circle of North America Food Pantry. These organizations seek to fight the food insecurity that, sadly, too many Bronxites are facing. He is also on the Chaplain Task Force of the United States.

Mr. Ruiz is an example of a community leader, and is steadfast in his mission to help those in need. He can always be counted on to volunteer when asked in any capacity, with the ultimate goal of serving his neighbors.

He has received numerous awards from State, City, and federal officials and Congress for his community service in the Bronx.