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Pembroke Park honors officers for life-saving actions and recovery of a trafficking victim
Summary
The commission presented certificates of accommodation to Sergeant Dodge, Officer Velasquez and Officer Estiva for separate incidents in which officers rescued a child in medical distress and located a missing 15-year-old found to be a trafficking victim.
Pembroke Park presented certificates of accommodation to Sergeant Dodge and Officer Velasquez for their actions at an apartment on West Hallandale Beach Boulevard on March 26, when they entered a chaotic scene, extracted a child in medical distress and handed the child off to paramedics. Police leadership credited the officers’ composure and quick action with saving the child’s life.
Separately, Officer Estiva was recognized for locating a 15‑year‑old who had been missing since Jan. 22. According to the police presentation, Estiva canvassed the neighborhood, left his cell number with residents and located the teen after a citizen called 911. During the officer’s investigation the youth was identified as a victim of human trafficking; police credited Estiva’s follow-up and investigative work in the recovery.
The mayor and police leadership presented certificates of accommodation to the three officers in a public recognition segment at the start of the meeting. Town officials described the citations as acknowledgement of dedication and professionalism.
No disciplinary or budget actions were associated with the recognitions; they were ceremonial acknowledgements by the town.
Speakers at the recognition included the police chief (presenting circumstances), Mayor Ashiah Mohammed (presenting awards) and the officers who were honored.
