HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 038-2021 - New PD appointments 3.19.21 (003)BAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO. 038-2021
To: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manag
Date: March 19, 2021
Subject: New Appointments at the Bal HarIour Police Department
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to inform you of recent appointments made
within the Bal Harbour Police Department (BHPD).
On March 13, 2021, Reserve Officer Lydia Armstrong joined the BHPD in a full-time
capacity. Officer Armstrong brings with her over 30 years of law enforcement experience
with the Miami -Dade Police Department (MDPD). During her tenure with MDPD, she served
in the County's South District Neighborhood Resource Unit, where she focused much of her
efforts on community policing, and was involved in the Police Athletic League and the DARE
Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Oklahoma City University.
Officer Armstrong is a dedicated public servant who takes great pride in community service
and professionalism. This appointment is also significant in that Officer Armstrong will be
the first female African American Police Officer in the history of BHPD.
With the appointment of Officer Armstrong, the BHPD was able to make an internal selection
for the vacant Marine Beach Safety Officer position. Officer David Navas, who has been with
the BHPD since 2016, has been appointed to the Beach Safety Officer position. Officer
Navas brings with him training in water safety and operation of the marine patrol vessel.
Additionally, Officer Navas has also been heavily involved in community outreach, and will
serve to enhance safety on the beach, as well as act as an ambassador for the Village with
visitors and residents visiting our beach. It is anticipated that Officer Navas will begin his
new assignment in the last week of March.
Please join me in congratulating Officer Armstrong and Officer Navas in their new
assignments. We wish them much success, as they represent the Village in their daily duties.
Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to call
Chief Raleigh Flowers or me directly.
JMG/RF/ME/DM