HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 093-2023 - BHPD BadgePinningPromotion 061423.BAL HARBOUR
- V I L L A G E -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO. 093-2023
To: Mayor Jeffrey P. Freimark and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manager
Date: June 9, 2023 U
Subject: Police Department Promotion & Badge Pinning Ceremony
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to share the attached press release and flyer related to
the upcoming Bal Harbour Police Department Promotion & Badge Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday,
June 14. This event, scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Sea View Hotel, is the first formal ceremony to take
place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The ceremony will recognize the following promotions
and recent hires in the Police Department:
Promotions:
Officer Erica Blanco to Sergeant
Officer David Navas to Sergeant
Recent Hires:
Officer Lydia Armstrong
Officer Denise Bremer
Officer Shevin Castro
Officer Larry Faison
Officer Jomarie Morejon
Officer Dewayne Williams
Reserve Officer Tarie Holley
Police Dispatcher Tyra Courtney
We hope you can join us to celebrate these members of the Bal Harbour Police Department.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me or
Chief Flowers.
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- V I L LAG E -
Media Contact:
Kathy A. Fernandez
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
kfernandez@balharbourfl.=.-.;ov 1 305.993.7351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bal Harbour Police Department Announces Agency Promotions
and Badge Pinning Ceremony
Bal Harbour, FL (June 7, 2023) - On Wednesday, June 14, the Bal Harbour Police Department (BHPD) will host
a Promotion and Badge Pinning Ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sea View Hotel (9909
Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154). Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a light reception
with members of the BHPD.
The ceremony is the first formal ceremony to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which caused
everyone to change how they gathered and celebrated. "We have overcome a great deal in the last few years;
as an agency and a community. We are excited to have the opportunity to gather and celebrate our officers,"
says Chief Raleigh Flowers.
The ceremony will recognize the promotions of Officer Erica Blanco and Officer David Navas to Sergeant.
Officers who have joined the agency since the pandemic began will also be formally recognized with a badge
pinning ceremony. Officers to be recognized include Officer Lydia Armstrong, Officer Denise Bremer, Officer
Shevin Castro, Officer Larry Faison, Officer Jomarie Morejon, Officer Dewayne Williams, Reserve Officer Tarie
Holley, and Police Dispatcher Tyra Courtney.
Sergeant Blanco is the first Hispanic female sergeant, and Officer Lydia Armstrong is the first Black female
officer in the 76-year history of the Bal Harbour Police Department. "As the first Black Chief of the BHPD, I am
proud to say that our community is a welcoming and inclusive place for all," says Chief Flowers. "Sergeant
Blanco and Officer Armstrong are the embodiment of our agency's values, and we are proud to celebrate this
moment."
While other agencies have struggled to maintain staffing levels, the Bal Harbour Police Department has
remained steady and seen growth alongside the community. Village Manager Jorge Gonzalez recognizes the
importance of an experienced Police Department. "Our Department prides itself in its community policing
model. Despite nationwide recruiting challenges, our PD has remained fully staffed with the highest -quality
officers," says Manager Gonzalez.
Bal Harbour Mayor Jeffrey Freimark says "For us, it is notjust about having a fully -staffed Police Department.
Chief Flowers and our agency prides itself in recruiting and training the finest officers for our community." It is
evident that as an award -winning agency, the Bal Harbour Police Department is living up to this standard. "I
believe I speak for all our residents when I say how grateful we are for our outstanding Police Department,"
says Mayor Freimark.
The public is invited to observe and celebrate this important moment with the Village Council, Chief Flowers,
the police officers, and the officers' families. Guests may RSVP to Lana Desravines by calling 305.866.4633.
Members of the local media are welcome to attend.
655 96TH ST, BAL HARBOUR, FL 33154 1305.866.4633 1 BALHARBOURFL.GOV
@BALHARBOURGOV I @BALHARBOURPD
Bal Harbour Village Cordially Invites You To Attend
PINNING
CEREM
Join us at the Sea View Hotel as we celebrate
the accomplishments of the members of our
Bal Harbour Police Department.
PROMOTIONS
Sergeant Erica Blanco
Sergeant David Navas
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Officer Lydia Armstrong
Officer Denise Bremer
Officer Shevin Castro
Officer Larry Faison
Officer Jomarie Morejon
Officer Dewayne Williams
Reserve Officer- Tarie Hoiley
Police Dispatcher- Tyra Courtney
Guests may RSVP to Lana ❑esravines by calling 305.866.4633.