HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) — Under the recent son amid the hum of bag pipes taking part in, roughly 100 law enforcement officials, survivors, and neighborhood members gathered on Friday to recollect Hollywood law enforcement officials who died within the line of responsibility.
Acting Police Chief Jeff Devlin took to the rostrum to mirror on a tough 2021 for his division.
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“The last year was filled with grief for our department, but we have learned in the most somber times we come together,” mentioned Chief Devlin.
The Hollywood Police Department misplaced three officers final 12 months.
Officer Jon Cooke (Hollywood PD)
Officer Jon Cooke misplaced his battle to COVID in July of 2021.
Officer Yandy Chirino struggled with an armed teen suspect in October of 2021. He tried to take him into custody, however was finally shot and killed.
Officer Yandy Chirino (Hollywood PD)
The household of Officer Alex Del Rio was in attendance. Del Rio was killed in a crash in 2008. Amid hugs and nicely needs his mom described her son, merely, as courageous.
“The night we lost him, he was out there protecting us. He was pursuing a speeding vehicle that could have killed a few people. So he lost his life,” mentioned Myriam Fernandez Spalla. “He saved many lives that day.”
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Brave have been six different officers within the departments historical past who made their final name.
Each identify learn, their tales given, and flowers laid by their everlasting memorials.
Riderless horse at Hollywood Police memorial on May 6, 2022. (CBS4)
The riderless horse with boots backward within the stirrups symbolizing an officer forsaking his brethren, rode throughout the courtyard.
It’s essential second at these memorials.
“It means everything not only for the men and women who put on the uniform, but their families, their survivors. It’s what’s it’s all about. Carrying on their memory and their legacy,” mentioned Chief Devlin.
The message to the neighborhood is targeted, sharp, and runs as deep because the fraternity behind the protect. It’s echoed by legislation enforcement and surviving households alike.
“I just think it’s a good reminder for the community that police officers, what they do on a day in day out basis regardless what someone thinks of police officers, their encounters or what they may have heard,” mentioned Chief Devlin. “You call 911 in your worst time and these men and women are coming, coming fast without hesitation.”
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Spalla mentioned, “We need them. We need them to protect to protect us and continue being here for us. It’s very hard for the community to be without police officers.”