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During the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee sponsored legislation that was approved to rename the West Perrine Health Center as the “Officer Ronnie E. Tookes West Perrine Health Center.” The facility is located at 18255 Homestead Ave., Miami, FL 33157.
“Officer Tookes has made a direct, significant contribution to the county throughout his career as a police officer. Both his professional and personal contributions speak highly of all he has done — and continues to do – for our communities,” said Commissioner McGhee. “By renaming the health center in his honor, we hope that residents will acknowledge and remember all he has done for our residents throughout the years.”
Officer Tookes has served the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) for the past 30 years. In 1988, at the age of 42, he joined the MDPD to initiate positive change in the community, after spending his prior years as a community activist.
In 1991, a multi-agency team selected Officer Tookes to lead the Neighborhood Resource Team (NRT), which was an initiative that investigated, analyzed, and developed strategies to combat and impact the rising crime and violence in the community during that time. This team was responsible for visiting every residence in the community, delivering social services to families, and holding monthly community meetings. After eight months, Officer Tookes’ NRT was reporting a crime-free area.
During his tenure with the MDPD, he was awarded over 600 commendations for his professionalism and service to the community and the citizens he serves. In 1999, Officer Tookes was named the American Legion National Police Officer of the Year after acting as a human shield over a fellow officer who had been shot.
Despite retiring in 2007, Officer Tookes returned to the MDPD in 2011 to continue serving and educating newly hired police officers and other agency partners. During his free time, he serves as a senior deacon at his church as well as the current president of the Richmond-Perrine Optimist Club. He also assists released inmates and helps them to reenter their local communities.
Located in District 9, West Perrine Health Center is a county-owned facility that offers multiple services to residents, including clinical and nutrition services, wellness programs, and community health planning.
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