Several years ago, a movie was produced that became very popular amongst people of all ages. It was called “The Bucket List.” It starred some Hollywood big names including Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It dealt with people who made a list of things they wanted to accomplish before their life on earth ended. When a fellow employee used that term a few weeks ago, that something was on their “bucket list” to do and they planned on accomplishing it that next weekend, some of us were able to help by providing the “kite” that she always wanted to fly with her niece. It got me to thinking. What would my “Bucket List” of thanks be for this Thanksgiving? Here is some of my list:

I am grateful to have a job, in today’s economy.

I am grateful to work in the City where I perform that job.

I am grateful for those I work for, those I work with and those that work for me; especially those who work for me.

I am grateful for the beautiful parks and green space and facilities that have been provided to the City for our children and adults over the past 13 years, when we had none.

I am grateful for those who continue to go the extra step, that go above and beyond in providing quality customer service to our citizens, which sets us apart as a city from many others.

I am grateful to all the Veterans past and present, living and deceased that provided the opportunity for each of us to live in this city in peace and tranquility.

I am grateful for the Wall of Recognition that family members and friends can visit, dedicated to those Veterans, at Heritage Park.

I am grateful when I see the smiling faces of the kids at our school in the city, knowing that although challenging at times we are making every effort to provide them with the best and safest educational environment.

Lastly, I recognize that sometimes my gratitude is overshadowed by other emotions, but once a year, this time of the year, I am again reminded of how much I have to be Thankful for and How long my Bucket List actually is….. Happy Thanksgiving Holidays Everyone!

Recently, Police Officer Alan Saladrigas of your Sunny Isles Beach Police Department was the 3rd of our officers to graduate from the prestigious and extremely difficult Rapid Deployment Force (R.D.F.) School.

Previously, Officer Javier Estevez and Detective Luke Plesa were graduates. Now, Alan joins their team. This elite group is trained in critical incident response, dignitary protection, homeland security issues and high tactical situations. The 2 week course is physically grueling (not just demanding) and mentally challenging.

In Officer Saladrigas class, only 10 of 42 candidates passed and received certification. It is an arduous but worthwhile training course. In the end we now have “3” members of this elite county wide team that ultimately will benefit our city and residents in years to come.

Meanwhile, Lt. Mike Mulvey who heads up our Criminal Investigations Unit, recently graduated from Advanced Training Course at the Unites States Secret Service Academy in Washington, D.C.

This elite training is only offered to a select few from around the country. The courses deal with Dignitary Protection, Homeland Security and Critical Incident issues. Lt. Mulvey will supervise those events and our officers who are assigned to them, such as our R.D.F. trained officers.

Sgt. Blake Royal recently graduated from a Senior Leadership Development Course hosted by Broward Sheriff’s Office and in conjunction with F.D.L.E the State of Florida Law Enforcement Agency. This was a great opportunity to develop our current supervisors into senior management leaders and the future of this department and city.

Motorcycle and Traffic Unit Officer Javier Estevez travelled all the way to Tallahassee, Florida to become a trainer for our current and future motorcycle officers. This will enable our traffic and motor squad to train in house and locally, embellish their skills under the supervision of certified instructor (Estevez) and produce new riders to the unit for the future of this agency. This is a rigorous and physical training and instruction course. We are fortunate to have talented and safe motorcycle officers and now under the watchful eye of Officer Estevez, they will become only better and safer riders while doing their job.

Finally, on December 16, 2011, Captain Dwight Snyder will graduate from the prestigious National Academy of the F.B.I. in Quantico, VA. This is probably the most difficult and demanding training of all as it requires a commitment of (11) eleven weeks of full time training, separated from family and loved ones while attending the Academy. This exclusive opportunity is extremely difficult to get accepted for and the number of positions are few and far between. But our agency has a great working relationship with the local F.B.I. and we are grateful to them and Special Agent in Charge Mr. John Gilles for presenting this opportunity to our department and Captain Snyder. He has represented the City of Sunny Isles Beach and our police department with pride, professionalism and respect. He has made a great sacrifice, so has his family while he has been gone. But his accomplishments will serve him, our department and the city in high regard for many years to come.

As Police Chief, I am proud of my officers and their commitment to this city and our community of residents. This training and others like it, helps to develop our Officers and Command Staff to serve you even better for the future.