Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Before she became a Boston police officer, Stephanie O'Sullivan was a standout hockey player for Matignon High School, Providence College and the US national team.

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Now she splits her time between her job as a cop and as co-director of the family-run O'Sullivan Hockey Academy.

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan works with local youths to build their hockey skills, a trait she learned when she was a young girl.

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan said hockey prepared her well for life as a cop. “It’s a lot like hockey," she said, "fast action, quick on your feet to make a decision, use good judgment, always move your feet, and keep your head on a swivel."

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Her partner, Jamila Gales, said O'Sullivan doesn't bring her hockey past to her job. “She’s very modest about it,” said officer Jamila Gales. “I kind of had to pry it out of her."

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan is thrilled with what both jobs bring to her. “I’m just very lucky, doing two jobs I love," she said. "I’m living a dream with the police and the hockey. This is the greatest job in the world.”