About the Author
Ernest Long Jr.
A life of service, guided by faith.
Ernest Long Jr. is a proud U.S. Navy veteran and retired federal law enforcement officer whose life embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and unwavering faith. Born in Vance County, North Carolina, and raised between the quiet farmlands of the South and the busy streets of Brooklyn, New York, Ernest learned early what it meant to work hard, respect others, and persevere through challenges.
His journey began in the fields alongside his grandparents, where he developed the work ethic that would carry him through decades of service. After high school, he sought purpose and adventure by joining the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably aboard the USS Santa Barbara and USS Fulton. Those years at sea instilled in him discipline, brotherhood, and a deep understanding of duty — lessons that shaped the man he would become.
Following his military service, Ernest continued his commitment to public service in law enforcement. Over the next twenty-two years, he served with distinction in multiple roles, including as an officer with the U.S. Park Police in New York and Washington, D.C. His courage and dedication were tested during one of America’s darkest days, September 11, 2001, when he helped rescue civilians in lower Manhattan amid the chaos of the World Trade Center attacks.
Ernest’s story is not just one of uniforms and oaths, but of faith and purpose. Throughout every trial — from the struggles of his youth to the dangers of his profession — his belief in God’s plan never wavered. Now retired, he shares his experiences through his memoir, The Oath: A Journey of Service, Faith, and Duty, hoping to inspire others to live with integrity, serve with heart, and never lose faith.
Author’s Message
“If my story helps even one person find purpose, strength, or hope, then my job is done. We are all called to serve in our own way — mine just happened to begin with an oath.”