Miami Gardens names street after first black female Florida police officer

Thelma Harris employed by Miami-Dade police for 20 years

The City of Miami Gardens has officially named a street after the first black female police officer in Florida, Thelma Harris, following a special ceremony yesterday.A section of NW 175 St Street will now carry her moniker.

Harris became an officer in 1962 and served for 20 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Harris became the state's first black female police officer in 1962, which was a difficult task in a civil rights era, but one that opened doors for many just like her.

Harris spent 20 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department before she retired in 1982. She died last summer at 88 years old, leaving her family, including her daughter and granddaughter to accept the honor.