Christian Perry says he spent his whole life dreaming of becoming a police officer.

In July, he graduated the police academy, and now he works in the 48th Precinct.

He says he worked his way up over the past few years. First, he was a crossing guard for two years, then a traffic enforcement agent for another year. He served one more year as a school safety agent.

He says it was important for him to stay in the area and give back to the community he grew up in.

NYPD Sgt. Augusto Rivas says Perry proved to be an exemplary new officer.

"We're very proud to have him here," Rivas says. "We need more officers like him."

As for Perry -- he's loving it.

"I tell my parents all the time," he says. "I'm happy. I'm just living the dream."