Miami Area Police Remember Fallen Heroes

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Local police officers remembered their fallen heroes all this week in Miami area ceremonies ahead of National Police Memorial Day on May 15. Three departments — Miami-Dade, Miami and Miami Beach — have lost a combined 189 officers in the line of duty. Events included flyovers, 21-gun salutes, wreath layings and even an emotional musical tribute from a fellow officer.

The local ceremonies coincide with National Police Memorial celebrations around the country. The tradition was formalized by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 when he said, “It is important that people throughout the country know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police departments, and that members of our law enforcement agencies recognize the duty to serve the people, by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation." (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Beach Patch.)

The Miami-Dade Police Department paid tribute to 143 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1865 at a ceremony on Thursday night. Thousands turned out for the 36th Annual Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial monument in Tropical Park.

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"This event is also a show of appreciation to all the men and women in uniform for their selfless service, commitment to protect our communities, and their courage as they face fear, danger, and adversity," explained Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Deparment.

Highlights of the ceremony included the lighting of commemorative torches by the chief official of each agency that has suffered losses, a riderless horse, 21-gun salute, multiple helicopter flyovers and a synchronized vehicle lighting exhibition.

Family members also pinned flowers on a memorial shield.

The Miami Police Department honored 39 officers who died in the line of duty at a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at the Miami Police College auditorium.

The Miami Police Department’s observance of National Police Memorial Day began informally in the early 1970’s and became an established tradition in 1978. The city also released a touching musical tribute (watch video below).

The Miami Beach Police Department remembered seven fallen heroes who lost their lives while serving Miami Beach residents.

The guest speaker was Ronald Wasson, a retired New York Police Department Inspector who was the commanding officer of the Emergency Services Unit of NYPD during 9-11. His team lost 14 members that day in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.

Here are some of the Miami area highlights Patch found from local events on social media. We begin with a Miami police officer's touching musical tribute to his fallen comrades:

Photo courtesy Miami Beach Police Department