The first six officers of the newly formed Miami Gardens PD, sworn in

[Terminator]

Jan. 17--The first six officers of the Miami Gardens Police Department were sworn in Tuesday night during a ceremony that heralded the city's progress and highlighted one of its setbacks.

The ceremony took place at the Lou Rawls Performing Arts Theater at Florida Memorial University.

County Mayor Carlos Alvarez swore in the city's first police chief, Matthew Boyd, formerly a major with the Miami-Dade department. Alvarez called the new chief a top officerand a good person.

"He's a person who'll be there when things are good," Alvarez said. "And when things are bad, he'll still be with you."

Miami Gardens incorporated in May 2003 as the third-largest city in Miami-Dade.Still, the county has handled crime and code enforcement there as the city tried to put together its own department.

Boyd said his squad will be ready to takeover by December, with 150 sworn police officers -- all with prior experience.

As his first task, Boyd swore in his deputy chief, John Feltgen, Chester Butler Jr., Alfred Lewers Jr. and Paul Miller as majors and Capt.Steve List.

All six were men, which stood out to a number of officials who attended the ceremony.

"I know your next major will be a woman," County Commissioner Barbara Jordan told the audience. "Or I'll be disappointed."

The 200 people in the audience erupted in applause.

Still, the rebuke didn't damper the celebratory mood.

"I think this speaks volumes that we as a city have the courage to want to make a department of our own," said Annie Starks, a 63-year-old Miami Gardens resident.

[10-42Adam]

Congrats to the six Officer's. Be safe and good luck!

[Ducky]

OK, the county commissioner just irritated me. Recruits aren't 50/50 male / female, I doubt they're even 6:1. Besides, you want the best you can get, not just whoever because they match the politically correct profile.

[bmf95b]

I read that their PAY is very good.

[Piggybank Cop]

OK, the county commissioner just irritated me. Recruits aren't 50/50 male / female, I doubt they're even 6:1. Besides, you want the best you can get, not just whoever because they match the politically correct profile.

Don't forget 50/50 black / white and 50/50 latino / white and 50/50 seminol / white and 50/50 gay / straight and 50/50 illegal alien / citizen.

[Star Man]

Don't forget 50/50 black / white and 50/50 latino / white and 50/50 seminol / white and 50/50 gay / straight and 50/50 illegal alien / citizen.

No shit.... geeezzzzzzz

[BEB]

Legislation sponsored by County Commissioner Barbara Jordan :
http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/govac...comSponsor=555

Sure likes living wage ordinances, social programs and renaming things.