South Florida Community Gathered in Prayer for MDPD Director Ramirez
DORAL, Florida. (TodayNews) — As the outpouring of support for Alfredo “Freddie” Ramirez continues across South Florida following the Tampa incident, officers in Doral have gathered in a prayer circle to wish well to the Miami-Dade Police Director, who remains in the hospital.
“We may not be able to fully bear their pain, but we are outside and we want to help bear that pain by praying for them,” said one prayer circle leader.
The South Florida community rallied around the Miami-Dade Police Department and Director Ramirez.
“We pray, God, that You will touch them to comfort and comfort him as he recovers,” said another person in the spiritual meeting.
There were prayers and an overwhelming show of support for Ramirez, who had plans to lead as he officially launched his campaign in May for the newly created role of county sheriff.
His colleagues consider Ramirez a dear friend and supported him.
“He’s a great person,” said Stedman Stahl of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association. “Did a lot of good for the community and we are just in shock.”
State Attorney Katherine Rundell released a statement saying, in part: “…I pray and hope for Chief Freddy Ramirez’s full recovery. We all know that we need a lot more people with the strength, courage and dedication that he has shown throughout his career.”
Many South Florida police departments have also expressed their sympathy on social media. Surfside Police Department tweeted a statement which said, “To the Ramirez family, you have the support of countless officers across the country.”
“Prayers – I know sometimes people don’t think they matter, but they actually do,” Stahl said.
Associate Director Stephanie Daniels was appointed Acting Director of the MDPD by Miami-Dade Mayor Danielle Levin Kawa. J.D. Patterson was named interim chief of public safety.
Ramirez, 52, has been with the police force for almost three decades. He was appointed Director of Police in 2020 and during his tenure he has faced difficult times such as the collapse of the south tower of Surfside Champlain Towers and the death of MDPD officer César Echaverri.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available through the Suicide and Crisis Helpline at 988. You can also contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at NAMI.org.
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