April 2025 The Gold Standard - Volume 20

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MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT

A MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF WAYNE A. JONES

THE CHIEF'S CORNER

My Dearest MBPD Family,

The Spring Break ‘25 has proven to be yet another significant success for our City, a testament to your dedication and hard work. Witnessing your collaboration with external agencies and observing your exemplary conduct has reinforced the value of our organization.

Irrespective of your role—whether on the front lines, in support operations, or behind the scenes —your diligent efforts, long hours, and commitment have not gone unnoticed. The gratitude expressed by our residents, elected officials, and city administration reflects the high regard in which your contributions are held.

This month will be eventful as we recognize Autism Awareness Month and Miami Beach Pride.

I encourage each of you to uphold the exceptional standard of service that you consistently deliver, adhering to our Gold Standard. Thank you for your hard work, and please be safe.

Spring Break 2025: Unified in Service, Committed to Safety #YOURMBPD

Each year, Spring Break brings thousands of visitors to Miami Beach along with the responsibility of maintaining public safety and order dynamic, fast-paced environment The 2025 Spring Break Deploym was a powerful reflection of the Miami Beach Police Department’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and community trust.

For several weeks, MBPD officers and staff carried out a citywide deployment strategy that emphasized preparedness, visibility, and proactive engagement. From foot patrols and rapid response teams traffic coordination and real-time intelligence monitoring, every elemen f the operation was thoughtfully planned and executed with precision In addition to MBPD’s efforts, the presence of the City’s Goodwill Ambassadors helped enhance the visitor experience, offering guidance and support throughout high-traffic areas and complementing our missi to create a safe and welcoming environment.

Behind the scenes and on the front lines, it was the people who made t deployment a success. Officers, analysts, dispatchers, command staff, and civilian personnel worked together with resolve and resilience each one playing a vital role in ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors Months of preparation went into developing this multi-layered response Department leadership worked across divisions to anticipate cha align resources, and foster strong coordination both internally an our city partners. The results were evident: a unified effort marke professionalism, adaptability, and care for the community we se

As we close out another Spring Break season, we remain proud was accomplished and focused on the future. Every operation new lessons, and those insights will continue to shape how we e strengthen, and lead

Together, we set the standard. Together, we keep Miami Beach

COMMUNITY MATTERS

A Service Beyond Duty

Recently, members of Miami Beach Police Department, Fire Department, and Ocean Rescue came together to assist Kyle Schultz, a 28-year-old visitor from Minnesota who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 24 making him the youngest person in the Midwest to receive this diagnosis. Kyle, accompanied by his mother, Jodi Halverson, and his service dog, Deuce, made the journey to Miami Beach to experience the ocean while his health still allows

After walking from South Pointe to the area near 10th Street, Deuce began showing signs of heat exhaustion. Thanks to the swift and compassionate response of MBPD and Ocean Rescue, Deuce received immediate care to safely cool down and recover.

Because of th ll b ti ff t f i K l w bl t h th h li with Deuce by h challenging

What may humanity. M it’s also ab

The empath City of Mia

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

“Good morning Chief Jones, I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to commend one of your officers, Officer J. Castillo (No. 750), who I had the pleasure of interacting with during a routine traffic stop this morning near the 700 block of Dade Blvd.

To my surprise, while I was adhering to the school zone speed limit, Officer Castillo pulled me over due to a plate reader alert indicating a suspended license. Without going into too much detail, the issue stemmed from an error in my insurance after removing a vehicle, which caused it to appear as if I lacked coverage

The purpose of this email is to express my sincere appreciation for Officer Castillo’s professionalism and courtesy throughout the encounter He was not only polite and patient but also took the time to clarify the issue and outline the next steps in a clear and respectful manner. Additionally, he was very understanding with the situation, and was able to use great judgement in issuing any violations. The best part is at no point was he aware that I was a City employee, which leads me to believe he treats everyone with the same level respect and courtesy as he did to me, today. I will admit I have been stopped by the police several times in my life, but this was one of the best experiences I have had with an officer.

I also wanted to take a moment to thank you for fostering an environment that encourages such professionalism within the department. I’m sure this standard is upheld through your leadership, as well as that of other leaders in the department.

Again, please give my sincere appreciation to Officer Castillo for his exemplary service!”

Sincerely,

MBPD'S PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK

#PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

Take Your Child to Work Day was extra special this year at MBPD. From touring police vehicles to meeting our K-9 partners, the children got a firsthand look at what it means to serve and protect our community. Seeing our officers share these moments with their families was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do keeping our city safe and inspiring the next generation. If you would like to view or download the photos taken during the event, please click here.

Follow Us On:

James Nash April 1, 1988

David Calderin April 6, 1998

Jair Armatrading April 2, 2001

Elpidio Garcia April 29, 2002

James Mercier April 29, 2002

Michael George April 29, 2002

Anthony Guzman Jr. April 10, 2006

David Socarras April 10, 2006

Delvin Brown April 24, 2006

Nicholas Guasto April 10, 2006

Eyra Ferbeyre April 9, 2012

Javier Fernandez April 9, 2012

Michael Marcelin April 9, 2012

Courtney Venezia April 8, 2013

Nicole Vegoda April 8, 2013

Samaralee Avecillas April 22, 2013

Yvonne Ganivet April 22, 2013

Franklin Silk April 4, 2016

Oliver Ledesma April 2, 2018

Robert Cabanas April 2, 2018

Rosanna Uthandi April 16, 2018

Samantha Cespedes April 2, 2018

Patricia Santana-alvarez April 15, 2019

Alexander Cuellar April 17, 2023

Hermann Joseph April 17, 2023

Mary Jose Nunez April 17, 2023

Melanie Herrera-terry April 17, 2023

Taylor Jenkins April 22, 2024

Miguel Maldonado April 1

Rigoberto Mantecon April 1

Carlos Corvo April 2

Andrew Villar April 5

Scarlyn Portillo April 5

Latasha Chatfield April 7

Benjamin Nunez April 7

Eric Garcia April 9

Eduardo Garcia April 9

William Collado April 10

Mirko Vasilievich April 10

Lilliam Rivas-Lariosa April 11

Samuel Azicri April 12

Michael Cuarezma April 13

K'yanna Robinson April 13

Carlos Rodriguez April 14

Jesus Dominguez Jr April 14

Brian Rhodes April 15

Luis Sanchez April 15

Richard Corton April 16

Georgia Brihm April 16

David Alvarez April 17

Donald Anderson April 17

Alain Socarras April 17

Adrian Gonzalez April 20

Juan Zapata April 21

Laurence Villa April 22

Abigail Yablonsky April 22

Rebecca Hurst April 24

Steven Feldman April 25

Yamilet Acosta April 25

Fernando Baca April 26

Kristen Rickert April 27

Aneta Kamyczek April 27

Andy Suarez April 28

Gabriel Marrero Diaz April 28

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL ANNOUCEMENT

Congratulations to Lt. Chong for his outstanding performance at the Southeast Police Motorcycle Rodeo! Competing among more than 175 officers from across the nation, Lt. Chong placed first in the Police Motorcycle Fairing Division and fourth overall in the 50 Over Division. We’re proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement and his dedication to excellence.

Submitted By:

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL ANNOUCEMENT

Police Promotional Ceremony

The Miami Beach Police Department will be hosting a Promotional Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place in the Sunset Ballroom of the Miami Beach Convention Center, located at 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.

The ceremony will honor the following personnel for their promotions:

From the rank of Lieutenant to Captain of Police:

Luis Sanchez

Scott Flanagan

From the rank of Sergeant to Lieutenant of Police:

Javier Fernandez

Danielle Marotta

Wilson Romero

From the rank of Officer to Sergeant of Police: Robert Montesinos

Joshua Vegoda

Leon Paige

Latasha Chatfield

Please join the administration, Chief Wayne A. Jones, and the Command Staff in congratulating the promotees and wishing them continued success in their new assignments.

Submitted By: Chief Wayne A.

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL ANNOUCEMENT

Sergeant and Officer Selection for World Pride Parade 2025 Deployment

The Miami Beach Police Department has been formally requested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., to assist during their hosting of the World Pride Parade 2025.

In response, MBPD has agreed to deploy a team of 30 sworn personnel to support MPD’s parade route operations.

Deployment Dates:

June 6, 2025 – June 9, 2025

Selection Information:

Positions Available: 4 Sergeants and 24 Officers

Must be off probation to be selected.

Interested personnel must submit a memo of interest to BOTH Lt. Rosa Carvajal and Lt. Daniel Han via email by Monday May 5th, 2025, 1700 hours.

Final selections will be based on Departmental needs and operational readiness.

This is a unique opportunity to represent the City of Miami Beach on a national stage while supporting one of the largest international events of the year.

Submitted By: Captain Marlen Rivero

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL POSTING

Team,

To ensure consistency and professionalism in all written communications, the Miami Beach Police Department is implementing a standardized email signature format for all employees, effective immediately.

The updated signature includes our revised Mission Statement and Values, which were refined by several members of the Command Staff.

Please click the graphic below to access the MBPD Employee Signature Style Guide and official logo files. All personnel are expected to update their email signatures in accordance with the guide.

Division Majors and Captains, you are to ensure compliance with your respective teams.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Public Information Office at MBPDPIO@miamibeachfl.gov.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we continue to enhance the professionalism of our department-wide communications.

Click here to obtain the MBPD Employee Signature Style Guide and elongated logo

(RC) STAFF DUTY OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS

Captain Brown April 28 - May 5

Commander Mitchell May 5 - May 12

Captain Rivero May 12 - May 19

Submitted By: Chief Wayne Jones

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL POSTING

Mandatory Radar/Laser Calibrations Scheduled

MANDATORY radar and laser calibrations are scheduled for Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20 from 0630 to 1330 hours.

Please submit your city-issued handheld radar/laser to PEU for calibration. When submitting your device, remove all batteries, DC cords, and cases

Attach a tag to the device with the following information: your name, metro ID number, device serial number, and contact information

Privately-Owned devices

If you personally own your radar or laser device, do not submit it to PEU. You must bring it directly to the calibrator located on the first floor of the parking garage

Please ensure you arrange for payment with the company, Communications International, prior to the calibration date.

If you have any questions, please contact Detective Socarras in AIU.

Submitted By: Detective Pedro Socarras

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENTAL POSTING

Good Afternoon Everyone,

The Records Unit is proud to announce the roll out of a Ticket Form to better serve you and your needs. This form is similar to the one the Crime Analysts Unit and the RTIC use for their requests. It is for the purpose of addressing any requests out of the records unit such as report requests, storage retrieval, DUI Paperwork, etc. We also want you to use this form to address any issues you may have with MOBILE-FBR and our FIBRS/IBR Reporting process so we can look at & address right away. Below is the link to the form and a special thank you is warranted for Nick Guasto for his help with this project.

Thank you all and be safe!

Records Unit Support Ticket Intake Form

Deputy Chief Paul Acosta’s

Farewell Roll Call

After 34 years of dedicated and distinguished service, Deputy Chief Paul Acosta will be concluding his law enforcement career with MBPD. We invite you to join us in honoring his commitment, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public safety.

Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Miami Beach Police Department (Front of Station Courtyard)

For additional details or to confirm attendance, please contact: Limura Barreto - LimuraBarreto@miamibeachfl.gov

MIAMI BEACH POLICE ATH

ARTHUR MARTINEAU SCHOLARSHIP

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Altos Del Mar

cathy.briz@autismspeaks.org

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE.

Get your adrenaline pumping on day two with the Empower Challenge Ride. Join with friends, colleagues and the autism community to raise mission-critical funds, drive awareness and demonstrate how together, we are creating a more inclusive world. Enjoy a dynamic festival site and resource fair – there’s something for everyone!

10 MILE COURSE: $75 Registration Fee*

FUNDRAISING MINIMUM: $500

30 MILE COURSE: $75 Registration Fee*

FUNDRAISING MINIMUM: $750

*Registration fees are applied to fundraising minimums.

Participants who reach their fundraising minimum will receive a Challenge t-shirt and medal.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Fun, challenging cycle experience that impacts lives

A dynamic festival space

Activities for all ages

Access to a comprehensive Resource Fair

VIP Experience for top fundraisers

Refreshments and more!

NEVER MISS A MOMENT

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