During a Special Council Presentation in August 2014, Homestead Police Officer Victor Lugo was roundly praised and commended by his peers and superiors for his sterling career as a member of the U.S. military.
Officer Lugo’s 23 year commitment to the United States Army began in 1989 at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Thereafter, Officer Lugo joined the ranks of the 10th Mountain Division in Ft. Drum, NY, which eventually gave way to his admittance into the Airborne Division. He has been deployed to several dangerous regions including Bosnia, Sarajevo and Kosovo where he served as an Interrogator/Linguist. Officer Lugo retired from military service as a Master Sergeant and subsequently joined the Homestead Police Department as a full-time officer in 2013.
The Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Officer Lugo by his long-standing superior and friend, Major Leitz of the Florida Army National Guard.
“Besides a fine civil servant, Victor Lugo, above all else, is a good man,” said Major Leitz. “Today further exemplifies the strong ties the City of Homestead has with the military community as we both stand here in solidarity to honor him this evening. He served under me with honor and I trusted him implicitly as I tasked him with recruiting the right men for me to command throughout a yearlong tour in the deserts of Iraq. Our loss, is Homestead’s gain and I fully expect that he will perform his duties with the same dignity and respect we had grown accustomed to.”
Mayor Jeff Porter then added, “We thank you for you exemplary and honorable service to this country. You have distinguished yourself in a variety of leadership positions and have demonstrated great fidelity in the service of this nation. On behalf of the City of Homestead, we salute you.”
Glowing praise even emanated from Washington D.C., where President Obama offered these words: “I extend to you my personal thanks and the sincere appreciation of a grateful nation for your contribution of honorable service to our country. You’ve help maintain the security of a nation during a critical time in its history with a devotion to duty and sacrifice. Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps and for all Americans who join me today in saluting you for a job extremely well done. My best wishes to you and happiness and success in the future.”
