Miami-Dade Police head to capital

Police will assist security during president's inauguration

MIAMI ā€“ While workers are busy preparing for President Barack Obama's second presidential inauguration, South Florida finest are heading to Washington D.C.

Nearly 300,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony. Miami-Dade Police and Washington, D.C.'s will be working together to keep attendees safe.

About 40 Miami-Dade Police Officers left early Saturday morning from Miami International Airport. They've trained for years for the opportunity to be part of something like this.

"I'm just excited," said Sergeant Deborah Bradford. "[I'm] glad to represent the department and [Rapid Deployment Force].

It's the second time in four years that RDF will take part in this.

"This is something that we consider to be historical and we are very honored to be attending and we are looking forward to it," said Lieutenant Ed Caneva. "It's something that we consider beneficial not just for Washington, D.C., but also here in Miami-Dade County."

The group specializes in dignitary protection, active shooter situations and crowd control for major events. Officer Melvin Gonzalez is one of the instructors that train these men and women to be prepared for anything big or small.

"We have gone over preparations in regards to crowd control in regards to any incidents that may arise from simple mundane thing to something like a protest that may arise from there," Gonzalez said.

He says they've been prepping for months for this one event. Now that they are packed up and headed out for the important job they have on their hands. There is one detail this team made sure not to overlook.

"You check the weather," Bradford said.

"We're told it's going to be cold," Caneva said. "We're hoping it's not going to be so cold."