Three new reserve officers were introduced to the Homestead Police Department and sworn in during a Special Council Presentation on January 2015.
“The swearing in of these officers here today is indicative of the pride that we take down here in Homestead when it comes to the people we select to wear that badge and uniform,” said Mayor Jeff Porter. “Our officers are really in touch with our community, and I want to commend the chief and command staff because they stand up every day for us. We couldn’t be more proud of you. Congratulations.”Following the preliminary speeches, the recruits partook in a swearing in ceremony thus officially becoming full-fledged officers for the City of Homestead Police Department. The new officers are as follows:
Jordan Vasquez, who grew up in Kendall, comes from a law enforcement family. His father, Luis Vazquez, is a 19 year veteran of the Miami Dade Police Department assigned to Northside District. He has an AA Degree in business and is currently attending Miami Dade College pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He is employed full time by the Coca Cola Company and recently received a promotion to the position of Business Development Manager. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2012. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Schelisa Gilpin-Braithwaite was born in New York and grew up in Brooklyn. She has been living in Miami since 2005 and graduated from the Police Academy in 2011. She worked for the City of West Miami part time, whenever they needed an officer. She is the proud wife of Kareem Braithwaite, currently serving in the United States Navy and is deployed to San Clemente, California.
Amit Thakkar, born in Ahmedabad, India but raised in Miami. He speaks 3 languages. English, Spanish and Guariti. He attended G. Holmes Braddok, Felix Varela and Miami Dade and Corinthian College, and is employed by Hammocks Community Association. He has 2 beautiful children, Janessa and Amit Jr. and will soon be the proud husband to his fiancé Jennifer Cordova. His father, Harold Thakkar, retired after 30 years as an accountant with Miami Dade Police Department.“You were handpicked, you are special. We try to get the best and I think we did that tonight” said Detective Antonio Aquino, Director of Internal Affairs and first African American male leader for the Homestead Police Department, “Here in Homestead, you’re part of the family now.”
