MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A funeral service was held Wednesday at Hard Rock Stadium for a Miami Beach police sergeant who died last month while riding his department-issued motorcycle.
Hundreds of law enforcement officials and motormen gathered outside the Vista Memorial Gardens Funeral Home ahead of Sgt. David Cajuso Jr.’s funeral as a large procession preceded the service.
Miami Beach police led the procession, which began at about 9 a.m., to their own department on Washington Avenue.
Along the way, they made an honorary drive by outside Miami Beach City Hall before arriving at Miami Beach Police Headquarters.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner was among those who gathered to watch the procession.
“It’s incredible seeing all law enforcement agencies coming together throughout Florida and South Florida,” Meiner said. “I saw at Ryder Trauma that Officer Cajuso was deceased – hundreds and hundreds of officers as far as the eye can see and we’re seeing that today. Law enforcement sticks together and we’re with them 100%.”
Local 10 News crews spoke with officers and deputies from around the state, including deputies from Flagler County who said they drove five hours early Wednesday morning to make sure they were in South Florida to honor their fellow serviceman.
After stopping at police headquarters, the procession headed toward Hard Rock Stadium for Cajuso’s funeral.
Florida Highway Patrol officials said Cajuso, 33, died on the morning of Oct. 28 after losing control of his motorcycle off Interstate 75, near the Palmetto Expressway near Hialeah. Miami Beach police confirmed he was on his way to work at the time.
Cajuso’s motorcycle went down a steep embankment, according to FHP.
He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but he later died from his injuries.
Hundreds of law enforcement personnel showed up at the hospital, many of whom were seen very emotional over the loss of the 10-year veteran.
During Wednesday’s memorial service at Hard Rock Stadium, colleagues and family reflected on the life he led, emphasizing his faith, integrity, and love for his children.
His wife, Eileen Cajuso, described him as more than a hero in uniform.
“He wasn’t just a hero in uniform — he was their hero. David was my best friend, my little piece of heaven here on earth," she said. “It was the honor of my life to be David’s wife. I love you with all of life — and your children love you too.”
MBPD Sgt. Phillip Elmore, his longtime friend and colleague, recalled Cajuso’s cheerful energy.“
“He would burst through the door as happy as can be — he’d go, ‘It’s a beautiful day!’” Elmore said. “He listened and remembered you, made you feel seen, made you feel understood.”
Phillip Perez, one of Cajuso’s closest friends, noted a special significance in Cajuso’s badge number.
“His badge number was 1135, and in the Bible John 11:35 says, ‘Jesus wept,’ as we are all weeping today,” Perez said.
“This is a sad and dark day for men and women of MBPD and for our LEOs in South Florida. I ask that you keep his young family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this grievance process,” Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said at the time.
Cajuso is survived by his wife, three young children, and other relatives, including his father, David Cajuso Sr., who is a retired Miami Beach firefighter.
“Losing the future seems unbearable,” he said. “I was able to walk alongside the most amazing man, a love more beautiful than I ever dreamed.”
According to the funeral program, Cajuso was affectionately known amongst his peers as “The Golden Retriever” due to his “unmatched ability to lift spirits, always greeting everyone with his trademark smile and cheerful words: ‘It’s a beautiful day!’”
He was also a man of faith, and he and his family were active members of Lighthouse Chapel Miami.
Cajuso grew up playing football and hockey and, in addition to sports, also found joy in fishing and boating with his family and friends.
He served with the Hollywood Police Department from 2013-2015 before continuing his distinguished career with the Miami Beach Police Department.
Wednesday’s service at Hard Rock Stadium was open to the public and was followed by a private burial.
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