The Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club has named City of Miami Police Detective Frankie Sanchez, who has been instrumental in the arrest of one of the city’s most violent suspected criminals, as its “Outstanding Police Officer.”
Sanchez, a 16-year police department veteran, was honored during a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon at City Hall Restaurant.
“Officers such as Det. Sanchez are out there, day after day, making our streets safer,” said Todd S. Paton, incoming president of the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club. “His passion, skill, and dedication in pursuit of a violent offender are a credit to the entire City of Miami Police Department.”
Sanchez, 42, will join three other “Outstanding Police Officer” recipients at the Kiwanis’ annual Biscayne Bay Gala, Oct. 25, at Jungle Island, for the announcement of the prestigious “2014 Outstanding Police Officer of the Year Award.”
“Det. Sanchez has done and continues to do an exemplary job,” said Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa. “Knowing the vital importance of securing witnesses and overall crime scene integrity, Det. Sanchez quickly took charge of a homicide scene and utilized the available resources to secure the witnesses as rapidly as possible for their safety and protection. Once those witnesses — who would have been in danger had they not been removed from the scene — were safely back at the homicide office, Det. Sanchez really started to intensify his investigation. “His knowledge of the area and his interviews built a solid case against someone who was a suspect in several other violent crimes. Because of Det. Sanchez’s tireless work, that person is in jail and the streets are safer.” Sanchez, who has been in the homicide division for nine years, was excited to receive the award.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club because of all the outstanding work the club does in our community,” he said.
In addition to honoring an “Outstanding Police Officer of the Year” at the 35th Biscayne Bay Gala, the club will present Lauren Book of Lauren’s Kids — an organization dedicated to preventing childhood sexual abuse — with its 2014 Michael Shores Citizen of the Year Award. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and live auction at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to the gala — expected to be attended by more than 400 of South Florida’s business and community leaders — are $125 ($1,250 for a table of 10) until Aug. 31 and $150 ($1,500 for a table of 10) after that date.
For more information on table purchases, event sponsorship, or program advertising, contact the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club by phone at 305-814-2225 or email at gala@biscaynebaykiwanis.org.
