Meet Tom Yurkin. Tom is the Chief of Security for Sun City-Hilton Head, a position that follows a successful career with the Bergenfield Police Department in New Jersey where he retired as Police Captain after 25 years of service.
Please tell us more about your current career. The thing you love most about what you do.
As Chief of Security at Sun City-Hilton Head, the largest active adult community located in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry with over 16,000+ residents, safety, and security play an important role in the day to day lifestyle for the residents, guests, and employees. Having my staff and I provide exceptional security services to the community is something that I enjoy the most. The feeling of being able to help someone, no matter how big or small their request is, is very rewarding.
In 2012, I retired as a Police Captain from the Bergenfield Police Department in New Jersey after 25 years of service. The ability to manage and direct 47 sworn officers and 12 civilian Telecommunicators is very similar to managing 45 SLED certified security officers here at Sun City. In the police department, I established a productive working relationship with the town Mayor and Council members while in Sun City, I work directly for the Association General Manager and Board members. The ability to build a trusting, working relationship in order for the town or community to flourish is so essential and very satisfying.
What inspired you or led you to your career?
I first became interested in law enforcement because of my brother Robert. Robert joined the Bergenfield Police Department 3 years prior to me. I guess it was because no day was ever similar. He would tell me stories about what he dealt with on a day to day basis. Not knowing what the next hour is going to deal to you, is exciting and keeps you on your toes all the time.
Please tell us about you and your family.
I am happily married to my beautiful wife Janine and our home is in Lawton Station. We have been married since 2016 and now have a wonderful blended family. I have two sons, Thomas 26 and Tyler 24. Janine has three daughters, Amanda 27, Marissa 25, and Daniella 21. I sometimes feel like I failed in this marriage as I fell short by one son in order to become the Brady Bunch!
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hmmm, there are so many! Frankie Bones, Black Marlin, and NYC Pizza just off the top of my head.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in the Lowcountry since 2012 and love every minute of it! Janine and I have a running joke every time we land at Newark International Airport when we return to see family and friends in New Jersey. The wheels just touch the runway and we always turn to each other and say, “Are you ready to go back home?”
If you could travel anywhere in the world (safely) right now, where would it be and why?
I would like to travel to Croatia where my family roots are. In 2006 my parents traveled there and I wish I would have taken them up on traveling with them. Unfortunately, during that period of time, I was in a five-month law enforcement leadership training program at West Point.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: A Few Good Men and Titanic. TV shows: Blue Bloods and Ok, nobody laugh….90 Day Fiance.
What advice would you give to people?
There are no do-overs in life! If you don’t like something or are in a bad situation, fix it! Take the steps that need to be taken to make it right. You control your destiny, nobody else does. It is my wish to be talking about all of the great times and things I did in my life while on my death bed. Not talking about what I wish I did or should have done.
What is something on your bucket list?
Retiring within the next several years and traveling full time, with my wife and cat Dexter, in our Class A Diesel Motor Home. There is so much to see in our country and it’s all waiting for us! This can’t come fast enough.
What is your go-to band/music genre when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My first choice would be Country music. We love attending Country music concerts any chance we get. The second choice would be listening to 80’s music. It brings me back to a time when I had hair!
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Eli Manning (Retired-NY Giants Quarterback) My entire life, I have been a very big NY Giants fan. Eli Manning has always been my idol and as I grew older, I admired how he carried himself off the field as well as on the field. A true professional athlete. I couldn’t care less where we ate because I would have so many questions for him I wouldn’t have time to eat.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is being so close to the beautiful beaches of South Carolina. We are so blessed to enjoy the wonderful climate while on these pristine beaches.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Spending quality time with our children and grandchildren.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am petrified of birds and heights….that’s all I am saying.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Caribbean Islands. I don’t have one in particular. They are all beautiful in their own way.
If you were cast in a movie and could choose your costar, who would it be?
Denzel Washington
Favorite month? holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
May, because its the start of the warmer weather season and kicks off the weekend getaways.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
LIFE
Who inspires you to be better?
No one specifically, it is all within oneself.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of evergreen inside my home during the Christmas Holiday.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Peace and Love
