A lifelong resident of Atlantic City, and 13-year veteran of the Atlantic City Police Department. As an officer, Santiago worked the streets of Atlantic City, developing a strong work ethic, and as a result, was assigned to the Community Relations Unit at the Atlantic City Police Athletic League, where he was later promoted to Sergeant.

In this Unit, Santiago worked along with others as a liaison between the Police Department, and the Community, fostering improved direct communication, and fellowships with Atlantic City’s citizens through community events.

Years later, recognized for his continued leadership skills, and societal values, Santiago would be promoted to Lieutenant, the first Latino in the history of Atlantic City, and would assume, along with the Community Relations Unit, the newly established Neighborhood Coordination Unit. The community-based specialized Unit, would take him and his officers into the residential neighborhoods, where residents would enjoy Community BBQs, Movie Nights, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways, and Holiday Shop With a Cop for underprivileged kids.

His pride came, when offered the position of Executive Director for the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (AC PAL) to manage, and oversee all recreational activities of the building.

To date, Lt. Santiago, develops, and designs innovative ideas to entertain, and keep  youths, and young adults members of the AC PAL, off the streets, and occupied through various projects, and programs such as (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Homework Completion, Summer Camp, Male Mentoring, and Sports participation like Basketball, Boxing, and Soccer, while most importantly, providing a safe haven in a facility, which promotes physical, mental, and healthy social activity.