The Miami-Dade Police Department has new director.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez appointed Deputy Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III as the top cop on Jan. 8.
The town of Miami Lakes has a $8.7 million contract with the agency.
Ramirez replaced Juan Perez, who retired after a 29-year career in law enforcement.
Ramirez earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Miami in 1994 and joined the police department the following year.
As director, Ramirez said his top priorities are ensuring officer wellness and reducing gun violence.
Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid said of Ramirez, “I’ve previously met with Chief Ramirez during the discussion on securing our schools in Miami-Dade County, and I believe he will do a great job leading the police department,” Cid said.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., whose District 13 includes Miami Lakes, said in a news release, “I can’t think of someone else more deserving to lead one of the best police departments in the nation.”
In 2024, the job will become an elected office.
--David Snelling