Zinab Kitonyi, better known as Zee, is an instructor with the Albany Police Department’s Training, Policy and Strategic Planning Unit.

Zee touches on various topics with recruits and the Citizens Police Academy, including active shooter situations, where you learn how to use a tourniquet.

Kitonyi gained a wide variety of skills while serving overseas. He’s been sharing those experiences since he joined the force 17 years ago.

“I started out on patrol, like everybody does,” he said. “I went on to being a field trainer, getting the recruits after they graduate the academy, and I really gained a passion for teaching at that point in time.”

Sadaka Kitonyi says his brother set the bar kind of high for when he joined the department 13 years ago.

“My brother’s been my number-one mentor, my best friend, and a person I’ve looked up to my whole life,” he said.

The brothers believe they’re a true reflection of their late father, who they credit for instilling a hard work ethic, good character, and positivity.

“Many of the things that we do seem small, even to ourselves,” said Sadaka. “We may not think anything about it, but even the small gestures and the simple kind acts go a long ways with people.”

As an officer on patrol, Sadaka spends his days responding to 911 calls, helping resolve disputes, and making arrests when necessary.

“But it’s also important to establish a police presence and just fly the flag,” he said.

It’s a job that, in recent years, has officers working to repair fractured relationships among their departments and the communities they serve in the wake of the deaths of a number of people of color during encounters with police.

“You’re talking about almost like an emotional threat to you,” said Zee. “You’re pouring a lot of yourself into volunteering, and you’re willing to give your life, and then not understanding why you don’t receive the same back.”

But the Kitonyis say they’re up to the challenge and consider their jobs to be a critical piece of change.

“It isn’t just what you see on TV. There are a lot of other aspects to it,” said Sadaka. “You can bring your own personal talents, skills and abilities into this job and help the City of Albany or help your community out by wearing that uniform.”