Former Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez is set to make a return to the department, taking the role of Senior Advisor for Policing and Transition, following his suicide attempt in July.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava revealed on Wednesday that Ramirez would officially rejoin the ranks of the Miami-Dade Police Department on January 23, 2024, after his medical clearance.
Levine Cava said that the 52-year-old will be focused on preparing MDPD for the transition to an elected sheriff.
Leadership reshuffle: Stephanie Daniels takes the helm
With Ramirez stepping into his new role, the reins of the department will be handed over to Stephanie Daniels, who has been serving as Interim Director over the past several months.
In this reshuffle, Daniels will assume the position of permanent director.
James Reyes takes Chief of Public Safety
James Reyes, the current Director of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, will take on the mantle of Chief of Public Safety, overseeing not only the Miami-Dade Police Department but also the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Corrections Department.
Commitment to public safety: Mayor Levine Cava’s pledge
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava underscored the paramount importance of public safety in a statement.
She expressed that nothing is more important than the safety of residents and visitors, adding that she is grateful to be surrounded by a team of public safety professionals dedicated to protecting and serving Miami-Dade.
Ramirez’s withdrawal from Sheriff’s race
Notably, Ramirez had been a prominent contender in the 2024 Miami-Dade sheriff’s race, with strong support from both the law enforcement community and county hall.
The election will establish the first Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office since the 1960s.
Details of the attempted suicide
Reports are that Ramirez had been attending the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s annual summer conference at a Marriott hotel in Tampa when he was involved in an incident with his wife.
According to reports, Ramirez left the hotel and was driving south on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough when he pulled over and shot himself.
He was rushed to a Tampa-area hospital and underwent surgery.
