Miami Lakes and its Public Safety Committee recognized the exceptional service of police officers, firefighters and paramedics on May 2 during Public Safety Appreciation Day at the Mary Collins Community Center.
Councilmembers including Mayor Michael Pizzi, Nelson Rodriguez, Tim Daubert, Ceasar Mestre and Frank Mingo, along with members of the Public Safety Committee, joined police and fire personnel and their families for a delicious breakfast, award presentations for Public Servant of the Year, Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year, and other recognitions.
In addition, attendees won raffle prizes from local businesses including Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Miami Lakes Alehouse, Miami Lakes Sports Grill, Miami Lakes Sports Shop and Outback Steakhouse.
Police Major Gene Dieppa presented Service Aid Kenyai Campbell with the Public Servant of the Year Award for his commitment to the community, quality service and dedication to his duties.
Campbell serves as the sole Public Service Aide in the Town and this past year handled over 400 calls for service, investigated 273 traffic accidents, and issues 123 uniform traffic citations. He is always willing to assist the police unit as well as enthusiastically assisting in the many Town-sponsored events.
Dieppa presented the Officer of the Year Award to Detective Mark Ray who is assigned to the town’s General Investigations Unit. Ray has continuously demonstrated a true passion and enthusiasm for criminal investigations and achieved numerous results with identifying and arresting several criminals. He is known for being a team player and never hesitates to assist or take on more responsibilities.
Service recognitions were given to Officers Ricardo Luis and Daniel Rios for their service with the U.S. Marine Corps, and to Officer Juan Rodriguez for his service with the U.S. Army.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Central Operations Divisions Fire Chief Paul Smith presented the Firefighter of the Year Award to Lieutenant Mitchel Perlstein, who has been stationed at Station 64 for 10 years and commended for his exemplary work in the department.
The Public Safety Committee presented a special recognition to Major Dieppa for his devotion and service to Miami Lakes, where he is charged with directing the daily law enforcement operations, accomplishing the Town’s priorities, managing the delivery for police services, and ensuring that the policing needs of the residents are adequately met.
Dieppa has served as a police officer for nearly 40 years and dedicated his last five years of service to the Town of Miami Lakes, making it one of the safest communities in South Florida.