For 7 years, the Joe Borrell Memorial Award was presented to a police officer who has demonstrated qualities of compassion, leadership, professionalism and kindness. The award is sponsored and presented by Mr. Frank Borrell, a longtime resident of Sunny Isles Beach and son of the International Boxing Champion for whom the award was named, Joe Borrell, who also became a chief of police following his professional boxing career.
But this year, to celebrate the 8th annual award, a very important transition occurred. Frank Borrell’s son John, a professional golfer, instructor and legend in the industry passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this past year of 2015. John was an incredible leader and coached the Olympic Golf Team for Santo Domingo as well as serving as golf pro for several of the premier country clubs in the Caribbean and Central America. John possessed the same, remarkable qualities of his grandfather Joe.
When John passed away, Frank was as broken-hearted as a father could be. The pain was immeasurable and now he was left with his only living son, Joey to be with him. But if you know anything about the Borrell family men, you would know they are a stalwart bunch who are strong in many ways including their resolve.
So it was a “no brainer” as they say, when this year’s 8th annual presentation was a transition into the Joe and John Borrell Memorial Award, encompassing both legends, both terrific human beings, both terrific men. The boxer and the golfer became “one” to encompass all the same qualities and dignity the award represents.
On Friday, January 8th, 2016, the first of the new award was presented at a luncheon filled to capacity in the conference room of Anthony’s Restaurant in Aventura, Florida. The transitional Borrell Memorial Award was presented to Frank Borrell in honor and Memory of his son, John.
The 8th Annual John and Joe Borrell Memorial Award was presented to Officer Mike Hayton of the Aventura Police Marine Patrol Unit. With Officer Hayton, was his long time marine patrol partner from Sunny Isles Beach Police, Sgt. Bobby Randazzo. Randazzo was the very first recipient of the Joe Borrell Award, eight years ago. Together, this dynamic duo has saved countless lives from boating accidents, near drownings and capsized vessels. Both men possess the qualities that the Borrell Award stands for. It was a most deserving and most fitting presentation to Mike Hayton in the presence of Frank and Bobby.
Special guests who attended the presentation and luncheon included the previous recipients of the Borrell Award and the former Mayor Norman Edelcup, Current Vice- Mayor Jeannette Gato, City Manager Chris Russo, SIB Resort Director Ibis Romero, retired renowned Miami-Dade teacher, Janet Cini, who actually taught some of the recipients as young school boys. Of course, the guest host Frank and Joey Borrell were on hand to make the special prestigious award presentation. A host of uniformed officers and civilian personnel from both police agencies also attended along with the entire Command Staff of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department.
It was an emotional day for Frank Borrell, mostly because Frank was surrounded by friends and supporters who love and respect him dearly. And yes, it was a “no brainer” to bring two professionals together for “One Award”!
