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.

Officer Gonzalez’s most recent personnel evaluation was presented to him on May 7, 2009, with an overall rating of Above Satisfactory.  In the Attitude category, his supervisor, Sergeant Eric Goldberg, wrote: “Officer Gonzalez is proud about being a Miami-Dade Police Officer and this is demonstrated in his work product.  He is relaxed, but displays an attitude and disposition that reflects well in his work product.  Officer Gonzalez has the type of personality that is welcomed by his supervisors and peers.  He is always trying to make the work experience an enjoyable one, while continuing to strive to work hard and produce a solid work product.”

The following is detailed in the Initiative section: “Officer Gonzalez is an enthusiastic employee who performs his assigned duties in an outstanding manner. He is always willing to go out of his way to assist fellow officers…Due to his excellent attitude and initiative, Officer Gonzalez was selected in November 2008 to be a part of the Grinch Busters Initiative during the holiday season.”

Officer Gonzalez is survived by his fiancée, Priscilla Zaldivar; parents, Elaine Valdivia and Leandro Gonzalez; brother, Giosley Gonzalez; other loving friends and relatives; and his extended police family.

Click here if you would like to make a donation to POAT in honor of Officer Gonzalez.

Visitation will start at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, through 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Vior Funeral Home, 291 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125 (305)643-3131.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Raymond Catholic Church, 3475 SW 17th Avenue, Miami, FL 33145 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009.  Interment will be immediately after the mass at Woodland Cemetery North, 3280 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.