Two Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Miami Lakes district deputies were honored at the August 18 council meeting.
Dep. Carlos Ortiz and Sgt. George Soto were given proclamations to mark their years of service with the department.
Both Ortiz and Soto are retiring from the sheriff’s office following more than 30 years of service to the community.
“Dep. Ortiz has been with us since we founded,” Mayor Josh Dieguez said. “He’s one of what the kids would say the O.G.s here.”
Dieguez proclaimed Aug. 20 as Dep. Carlos Ortiz Day in the town.
Ortiz started his career in 1996 as a road officer in Cutler Ridge before transferring to the town in 2001. He’s been in Miami Lakes ever since.
“Continuing his service in road patrol … later served the special services unit now the neighborhood resources unit as a bicycle officer,” Dieguez said.
Oritz became a familiar face serving at various town events such as the culinary bike tour, the Reindeer Run 5k, the Spring Fling Easter event and other town happenings.
He also was the advisor for the Police Explorers program from 2007 to 2013 and from 2021 to 2026, and was a member of the police honor guard.
“[He] received over 50 commendations for his professionalism, dedication and exemplary service,” Dieguez said.
Oritz was also given a recognition of exemplary performance, five certificates of commendation, a recommendation for department award, officer of the quarter and police officer of the month.
Following Ortiz, Soto was honored with his own proclamation for his years of service to the community.
Dieguez proclaimed Aug. 21 as Sgt. George Soto Day in the town.
Soto began his career with the department in 1995, serving in road patrol in the northwest district before moving into the priority services unit and community-oriented squad.
“In 2001 Sgt. Soto joined the newly formed town of Miami Lakes as a bicycle officer,” Dieguez said.
He earned the rank of sergeant in 2005 and served as a road patrol supervisor before joining the neighborhood resources unit.
Like Ortiz, Soto was part of many landmark events in the town.
“Sgt. George Soto received over 60 commendations,” Dieguez said.
Dieguez said his commendations were for rapid response, powers of observation, enthusiasm and professionalism.
Dep. Kenny Torres; Dep. Carlos Ortiz; Sgt. George Soto; Maj. Eddy Ulloa; Dep. Anthony Baez; Dep. Robin Amador; Sgt. Matthew Levine; Sgt. Dustin James and Lt. Jorge Casiano. Back row Councilman Angelo Cuadra Garcia; Vice Mayor Bryan Morera; Mayor Josh Dieguez; Councilmembers Ray Garcia, Alex Sanchez and Juan Carlos Fernandez.