 |
| Administrative Sign-In | Contact Us | My Account | |
Officer Giovanni L. Gonzalez
Director Robert Parker regrets to announce that Miami-Dade Police Officer Giovanni L. Gonzalez, 23, passed away in Miami on June 16, 2009, from injuries suffered in an on-duty vehicle crash.
Born in Miami, Officer Gonzalez graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 2004 and later attended Western Nebraska Community College. He returned to Miami and joined the Department in November 2006. Upon graduating from the police academy, Officer Gonzalez was assigned to the Kendall District, where he served in uniform patrol and in the Priority Service Unit. During his lamentably short law enforcement career, Officer Gonzalez received eight commendations for good police work, professionalism, and for assistance during a community Friendship Circle walk. [Read More] Click here to open MEMORIAM.
To make a Donation in Memory of Officer Giovanni Gonzalez, click on the Donate button |
LIVE VIDEO FEED - MIAMI-DADE COUNTY POLICE MEMORIAL CEREMONY!
Click here to view
In the past we have received many positive comments regarding the beauty and solemnity of the Miami-Dade County Police Memorial Ceremony. For those friends of the Miami-Dade law enforcement community who are unable to attend this moving ceremony, we have arranged a live feed which can be viewed by clicking here to view the 2009 Police Memorial.
We have uploaded 3 photo albums, 2009 Cops Ride, 2009 Prayer Breakfast and the 2009 Police Memorial. Please take the time to view these photos and consider making a one-time or recurring donation by clicking here.
The Police K-9 Memorial was completed on May 1, 2009. There will be a dedication ceremony held in July representatives from all of the K-9 Units in Miami-Dade County will be contacted when the date has been determined. The Memorial is erected at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Tropical Park. The police dogs honored have all honorably served the various police departments through the years in apprehending some of the most violent criminals that may have otherwise never been brought to justice.
Read June 2009 POAT Newsletter ~ 2009 Miami-Dade County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
The Police Officer Assistance Trust was founded in 1989 as a nonprofit support organization for the law enforcement community of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Our mission is to provide assistance to officers and their families in times of hardship, personal crisis, or critical need. There was no resource or organization in place to assist officers who were facing devastating situations until POAT was formed. Since its inception, POAT has helped law enforcement families through catastrophic circumstances brought about by accident, illness, or injury. Assistance is primarily financial, but has extended to other support including information, referrals, and counseling. [READ MORE]
Educational Assistance is granted to spouses and children of officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. This assistance provides funds for undergraduate studies at a college or university or training at a vocational or technical school. For those who protect us today, let us protect their children's tomorrow.
Financial Assistance is available to all sworn law enforcement officers from any local, state or federal agency, who work within the geographical boundaries of Miami-Dade County. Established guidelines and procedures are followed to ensure accountability and assistance is granted when all other reasonable resources have been exhausted. POAT provides financial support to officers and their families in a variety of ways;
On January 2, 2009, Huber R. Parsons III, Retired, U.S. Army, was honored in appreciation of his service to the country we love, and remembrance of the soldiers that have died making the ultimate sacrifice. He is a West Point graduate, as well as his two brothers. Huber Parsons III was severely injured serving in Iraq as an explosive device struck his vehicle killing several soldiers inside. The Huber family are long-time residents of Coral Gables and have supported law enforcement through the years. An M-1 Rifle was presented to Huber at the Coral Gables Police Department, by Coral Gables Police Chief Richard Naue. The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Operation Support our Wounded Warriors Program, which POAT strongly supports, facilitated M-I for Vets to ship the rifle for the presentation.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) offers two separate scholarships to the son or daughter of any Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe County federal, state or local law enforcement officer. The Paul Janosky Scholarship is offered to high school seniors or graduates that are planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the visual arts, graphics, or computer arts. The Mike Byrd Scholarship is for students entering into the biology, chemistry, forensic pathology, or any major affiliated with crime scene investigation. Please review the applications for complete details.
HOLIDAY REMEMBRANCE
Holiday remembrances: "Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children" We would like to thank everyone who took the time to work a table at one of the malls collecting donations for the Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children. We had 67 children of slain or deceased officers who were recipients of gifts from POAT thanks to your kindness and generosity. The Semi Annual Motorcycle Ride, which was held on December 6, 2008 and also supports the Holiday Gift program, was another success due to Rudy Gonzalez and his crew.
POAT is embarking on an endeavor to erect a K-9 Memorial to honor and recognize police K-9 work dogs that have died in the line of duty and served the Miami-Dade County community. The K-9 Memorial will be located in close proximity to the Law Enforcement Memorial. [Read More]
Click here to view All Upcoming Events
Please check back with us to stay informed of our events heading into the Fall.