In the wake of his very successful event intended to heighten safety awareness and educate the public on safety techniques, Councilman Elvis Maldonado praised the efforts of select Homestead Police Officers during a Special Council Presentation for their contributions that day. The event, called “Celebrating Safe Communities,” took place at the Charter School at Waterstone on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The event was the first of its kind and, judging from the positive feedback and the number of residents that attended, the “Celebrating Safe Communities” event will find its way on the community calendar for years to come.
Councilman Maldonado called up Major Scott Kennedy and Community Policing Officers Alissa Barker, and Robbie Tate to honor them for their hard work in bridging the gap between the Homestead Police Department and the communities they serve.
“I am grateful for your outstanding and enthusiastic efforts towards the success of the 1st Celebrating Safe Communities event,” began Councilman Maldonado. “Your hard work and dedication are a product of your desire for all Homestead families to feel safe within their communities. There is no higher calling or duty than ensuring the safety of others and you exemplify that every time you put on that uniform.”
Among the organizations that participated in Councilman Maldonado’s event were Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which distributed free fire extinguishers, Start Off Smart, which gave away free bicycle helmets, Homestead Kiwanis, providing free children’s books, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, the Homestead Police Department SWAT team, Mayor’s Crime Watch, The State Attorney’s Office of Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Keeping Kids Safe Foundation and McGruff the Crime Dog, which presented valuable crime prevention information. Sponsors and participants included the Charter School at Waterstone, Walmart, Walgreens, Malibu Bay, 1st National Bank, Waterstone & South Dade Community Development District, The South Dade News Leader, Extraordinary Martial Arts, Huney Shine Dance Studio and the Florida City Panthers Xtream Cheerleaders.