Officers, good Samaritans honored by Miami-Dade police

Awards given to those who've acted bravely, saving lives

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police honored both fellow police officers and members of the community for acts of bravery and saving lives during a ceremony Tuesday.

"(It’s) a testament to their love of law enforcement," Miami-Dade police Director Juan Perez said.

Officer Yovani Sosa, Officer Joseph Vallejos, Officer Gepsy Perez and Officer Edward Brochu were honored for assisting Florida Highway Patrol with a car fire on the Palmetto Expressway, near Bird Road on Dec. 22, 2016 and helping a man trapped inside.

 "(They) risked their lives for a stranger," Juan Perez said.

Sgt. John Saavedra was also honored.

On July 31, 2012, Saavedra was shot on duty after discovering a grow house in southwest Miami -Dade.

Five years later, he's still on the force.

 He was given several awards, including a purple heart.

"This is a special profession and I take it to heart. I love what I do," Saavedra said.

On May 7, Major Ricky Carter crashed his motorcycle on I-75.

He was aided by three good Samaritans after the crash, in which he lost both of his legs.

Those three people were honored as well.

"It was remarkable what they did that day," Juan Perez said. "Thanks to the three of you he's still alive."

All of today's recipients were met with cheers from the crowd, which included undercover Officer Terence White and Officer Charles Woods, who survived an armed ambush in March.

 


About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.