Employee Spotlight: Officer Andres Perilla, Tampa International Airport Police Department

When it comes to sharing stories or offering simple words of encouragement, few do it better than Officer Perilla. He loves chatting with fellow coworkers and TPA’s passengers from around the world.

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Perilla grew up moving from city to city due to his father’s job. As a young adult, he enlisted in the Colombian Army’s Special Ops before making the life-changing decision to move to the United States in 1999, following the rest of his family.

“I was the only one in Colombia, and I needed to make a change,” he said.

However, the move to the United States came with humbling realities as he took jobs that were a far cry from his military background, including cleaning tables and picking up trash. He says the experience shaped his perspective on life and his interactions with others, allowing him to relate to people from various walks of life.

“I think it’s important to connect with people and understand their struggles,” he said.

A Love for Law Enforcement

With his degree in Military Science earned in Colombia and a desire to serve the community, Officer Perilla eventually pursued a career in law enforcement. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University while working various jobs, including at a family member’s medical office.

“While I enjoyed helping patients, I needed to be out and about with people, not stuck in an office,” he said, reflecting on his desire to make a difference in the community.

He was hired by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked for nearly eight years before joining the Tampa International Airport Police Department.

“I’ve always heard good things about the Airport, and I wanted to be part of that environment,” he said. His fluency in Spanish has proven invaluable in his role, allowing him to assist many travelers who may not speak English, further enhancing the customer service aspect of his job.

A Passion for Ultra-Marathons

Outside of work, Officer Perilla loves to run and is an ultra-marathon enthusiast. His attraction to the sport has taken him to some of the most challenging terrains around the globe. Ultra-marathons are races that exceed the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles, with many of them ranging from 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 100 miles or more.

For Officer Perilla, ultra-marathons represent not just a physical challenge but also a mental and emotional journey.

“Running has become a way of life for me,” he said. “It's about pushing your limits and discovering what you're truly capable of.”

His commitment to ultra-marathons began years ago, and he has since completed numerous races in amazing locations, including Zion National Park in the rugged mountains of Utah and Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona.

Marathon des Sables

One of his most epic accomplishments to date is participating in the Marathon des Sables, considered one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world. The grueling race spans approximately 156 miles over seven days in the unforgiving Sahara Desert, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, creating a physically and mentally demanding experience for participants.

In 2022, Officer Perilla faced setbacks when he was unable to complete the marathon due to an ACL injury. Unwilling to give up, he returned this year to conquer the race as part of a 50^th birthday celebration for himself and a friend.

“It was my second attempt, and I was determined to finish,” he said. The race required not only physical endurance but also mental fortitude as participants navigated the harsh desert conditions while carrying their own supplies. Participants are not just competitors; they form a close-knit community.

“It’s less about winning and more about supporting one another,” Officer Perilla explained. Runners help each other with gear and offer encouragement throughout the grueling stages.

“You bond with people you’ve never met before, and that shared experience creates a sense of family,” he added. The race consists of daily stages, with participants trekking through soft sand and rocky terrain, often facing blisters and exhaustion. Officer Perilla noted that the experience is as much about survival as it is about competition.

“You learn to rely on one another; it’s a true test of endurance,” he said.

A Love for Family and Service

Family is central to Officer Perilla’s life. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine, and their children, Mauricio and Marcela, who share his love for travel and adventure. The family has annual passes to Disney and enjoys exploring new destinations together.

Whether it’s helping runners in the sand or members of his own community closer to home, Officer Perilla is often one of the first to volunteer when help is needed.

That’s exactly what happened following Hurricane Ian in 2022. The massive Category 5 hurricane took aim at Florida’s west coast, originally threatening the Tampa Bay area before veering south and impacting the Fort Myers area. Law enforcement officers from across the Tampa Bay area were called in to assist affected communities to the south, and Officer Perilla was one of the Airport police officers who volunteered to spend a week helping law enforcement in South Florida and assisting with cleanup in the disaster area.

Importance of National Police Week

This week, Officer Perilla reflects on the significance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “It’s a brotherhood,” he noted, acknowledging the challenges and dangers law enforcement officers face daily and recalling colleagues lost in the line of duty during his time with the Sheriff’s Office.

But beyond remembering those lost, he’s a strong advocate for mental health awareness within the police community, stressing the importance of support systems for officers dealing with the stresses of the job.

“There are officers who might not know how to cope with the pressures of what they have to see and deal with, and that can lead to problems at home,” he said. “If we could make mental health awareness a bigger part of National Police Week, I think that would be a good thing.”