At the September Special Council Presentation Ceremony, Councilwoman Erica Ávila recognized local law enforcement for their extraordinary response to the recent threats made to local Homestead schools. The groups acted quickly and in unison to ensure the students were safe and the source was located.
“When these situations occurred in two of our Homestead schools, I reached out to Miami-Dade County because I knew it was important to recognize the men and women in blue who did a phenomenal job in helping our children,” remarked Councilwoman Ávila.
The agencies recognized were Homestead Police Department including Code Enforcement, dispatchers, and the social media team as well as Miami-Dade County School Board Police, Miami- Dade Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, North Bay Village Police Department, FBI, Miami-Dade Police Priority Response Teams and K-9 Unit. The various units were invited to step up to the dais to be recognized for their heroic and efficient efforts and receive Certificates of Recognition for each team member who helped to mitigate the situation. The certificates were presented on behalf of the City of Homestead, Commissioner Kionne McGhee, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
The law enforcement officials followed strict protocol to ensure that the threats were taken seriously and acted quickly and efficiently to ensure that Homestead students were safe. The schools were Keys Gate Charter School and Somerset Academy High School. Mayor and Council stepped forward to personally thank the law enforcement agencies and shake hands with each and every individual who played a crucial role in the safety of the Homestead community.