On Tuesday June 26, 2018, I had the honor to attend this ceremony at the Miami-Dade Police Department Headquarters with Steadman Stahl, President of the PBA and Mike Clifton, former President of the PBA. The ceremony honored the forty-two Miami-Dade County Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the law-abiding citizens of Miami Dade County.
Juan Perez, Director of the MDPD welcomed the survivors and thanked them for their loved ones’ sacrifices. The MDPD Honor Guard made the presentation of the American Flag. Deacon Tom Hanlon, MDPD Chaplain prayed the Invocation Prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by MDPD Police Officers Chris and Thomas Hodges, both survivors. The Honor Guard did the flag folding and MDPD Police Officer Raniel Castillo played taps. Director Perez then cut the ribbon to the Hall of Honor and the family members were able to enter the hall and view the photographs of their loved ones.
One of the police officers honored was Robert Zore, who began his law enforcement career as a Miami-Dade County Corrections Officer. I was his Training Advisor in Correctional Officer Training Class 24. Sadly, he was shot and killed in the Dadeland Shopping Mall on December 24, 1983. He died on Christmas Day after surgery.
The PBA donated a statue of Saint Michael, the Archangel, for the Hall of Honor. Saint Michael is the Patron Saint of law enforcement officers, paratroopers and doctors.
Christians, Jews and Muslims recognize Saint. Michael. The name Michael signifies “Who is like God”.
In religious art, he is depicted as a young handsome man, winged and clad in armor with a supporting sword and shield to combat the dragon. Sometimes he is shown carrying the scales of justice. These symbols show his strength and courage, as he is constantly moving against the current of evil. He is the leader of all the holy angels who work to protect all people who work in dangerous conditions.
Lastly, Saint Michael helps people to overcome their fear and continue their passion of serving God through their service to others.
The PBA will be celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Michael, the Archangel on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral. People of all faiths are welcome. If you are a law enforcement officer, we urge you to wear your uniform.
