Miami Lakes Public Safety Committee and Town Councilmembers recognized the dedicated and exceptional service provided by local police officers, firefighters, and public safety officials on May 20 at the annual Public Safety Appreciation event.
The event was sponsored by The Graham Companies and catered by local restaurant Casavana.
Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Dave Downey presented the Firefighter of the Year Award to Alexander Ortiz for his dedication, going above and beyond the normal call of duty. Ortiz has served residents of Miami Lakes for the past 19 years at Rescue 1, and in 2007, moved to Engine 64 where he still works today.
Miami Lakes Police Lieutenant Christopher Wallace presented the Officer of the Year Award to Officer Juan Rodriguez for his commitment to the community, quality service, and bravery. Rodriguez was one of the original officers assigned to the first Miami Lakes Police detached unit in November 2001. In 2016, he was awarded the Municipality Community Police Officer of the Year at the 41st Annual Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade award ceremony.
While this annual event takes place in conjunction with National Public Safety Appreciation Week, it is a tribute to the outstanding dedication and initiative of police officers and firefighters year-round which has helped to make the Town of Miami Lakes one of the safest communities in the state year after year.