As part of National Police Appreciation Week, Miami Lakes Public Safety Committee and councilmembers recognized the brave and exceptional service of local police officers, firefighters and public safety officials at the annual Public Safety Appreciation event.
The event, sponsored by The Graham Companies and catered by local restaurant Casavana, featured a generous gift certificate donated at Andy’s Police Supply for a raffle.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Dave Downey presented the Firefighter of the Year Award to Captain Abraham “Abe” Iglesias, for his dedication to providing outstanding fire and emergency services.
He is a 23-year veteran of MDFR and a longtime resident of Miami Lakes. Currently he serves as Officer in Charge (OIC) of MDFR’s Dive Rescue Bureau where he is responsible for the training, certification, and annual proficiency evaluations of over 500 Department SCUBA Rescue Divers.
As the OIC, Iglesias has elevated the training and certification level of all rescue divers and was recently recognized for overseeing the largest public safety dive program in the world by Emergency Response Diving International.
Iglesias also volunteers as a member of MDFR’s Honor Guard, and as a Junior Fire Rescue Cadet Program instructor which allows adolescents the ability to learn about the job of a firefighter and paramedic.
Miami Lakes Police Major Javier Ruiz presented the Police Officer of the Year Award to Officer Rose Viera for her exceptional valor in service and upholding traditions of law enforcement.
Viera has been with Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) for 21 years starting her career in the Intracoastal District, then transferring to Northwest District for a short while before coming to the Town of Miami Lakes.
A large amount of her duties includes patrolling, traffic enforcement, settling disputes, and citizen and business contacts. She assisted in the apprehension and ultimate arrest of burglary and robbery suspects. In addition, she has received numerous commendations for being courteous and several for attention to duty.
Viera will be retiring this month and will be surely missed by her fellow officers and the citizens of Miami Lakes.