During a special rpesentation at the October 16 City Council meeting, Vice-Mayor Jon Burgess presented, along with the Homestead Police Department, a special honor to a retiring police officer, recognized newly-promtoted officers, and led the swearing-in of three new police officers joining the Homestead Police Department.
Homestead Police Department’s Captain Marie Kent announced the retirement of Officer Brian Kennedy after 30 years of service to the City of Homestead. In 1991, he joined the K-9 unit and has had three canine partners throughout his career with his last partner being Turbo, who is also retiring along with Officer Kennedy. Four other K-9 Unit dogs also retired and two new service dogs were welcomed during the ceremony.
Captain Kent said that while Officer Kennedy does not like to draw attention to himself, it was important to recognize his great contribution to the community, “He has dedicated his entire career to the City of Homestead and its citizens. Looking in his personnel file, I lost count of how many Officer of the Month awards he received, as well as the lifesaving commendations for the citizens he has assisted in their time of need from saving a drowning victim to helping someone on their rolled over ATV. The City of Homestead, the command staff in the Homestead Police Department and fellow officers could not let him walk away without this acknowledgement.”
Homestead Police Department also announced the promotion of various officers, including Kevin Kent from Captain to Major; Edilia Surman from Sergeant to Lieutenant, and Connie Smith Gibson from Officer to Sergeant. Chief Alexander E. Rolle, Jr. upon announcement of the promotions said, “We always try to get the best of the best for the City of Homestead and we congratulate those that have been promoted. I know they will continue to do what is right for our citizens.”
Vice-Mayor Burgess, also announced the hiring of three new police officers, who were sworn-in by the City Clerk during the presentation. “This City Council and City Manager have heard the citizens in their call for having more officers on the road in our city. Today, we swear-in three new police officers who come with an excellent record to join the important work of the Homestead Police Department.” The new Police officers who were sworn-in are Officer Victor Lugo, Officer Gabrielle Leal and Officer Ricardo Aguirre.
