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FBI agents association to fund splash pad at Sunrise park in honor of two fallen agents
Summary
The City Commission agreed to work with the FBI Agents Association to advance plans for a splash pad at Oscar Wyn Park to honor Special Agents Daniel Alphen and Laura Schwartzenberger. The donation and design work will proceed under a formal donation agreement to return to the commission for approval.
The City Commission on Tuesday agreed to work with the FBI Agents Association to develop a splash pad at Oscar Wyn Park in Sunrise to honor two FBI special agents killed while serving a child-exploitation search warrant in February 2021.
The proposal, presented by Special Agent Justin Houston of the FBI Miami Division and Natalie Barratt, president of the FBI Agents Association, would fund construction of a splash pad intended as a place of joy where children and families can gather in memory of Special Agents Daniel (Dan) Alphen and Laura Schwartzenberger. "This splash pad will hold significant meaning for the city of Sunrise, the families of Dan and Laura, the FBI, and our nation," Special Agent Justin Houston told the commission.
City officials and FBI representatives described the gift as a charitable donation and asked staff to prepare a formal donation agreement and bring it back to the commission for action. "The splash pad will be a symbol of hope and community, a place where families can come together, where laughter can echo, and where their spirit of service can inspire future generations," Barratt said during a live phone appearance.
The presenters linked the choice of a splash pad to the agents' community work and to their service on an FBI dive team. Mayor Michael J. Ryan said the project would transform a painful memory into a public place of celebration: "From this, the phoenix will rise," he said, and thanked the FBI Agents Association for the offer.
Motion and vote
Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch moved to work with the FBI Agents Association to honor Special Agents Alphen and Schwartzenberger by advancing the splash pad proposal; Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo seconded. The motion passed unanimously (4–0). The commission did not adopt a final donation agreement at Tuesday's meeting; staff said they will draft a donation agreement for formal consideration and return it to the commission.
What the city said it will do next
City staff said they will work with the FBI Agents Association and the city attorney to prepare a donation agreement that sets responsibilities, timelines and any naming or memorial language. The city manager said such an agreement will be brought back to the commission for formal approval. No construction or expenditure by the city will occur before the donation agreement and any related contracts are approved by the commission.
Why it matters
City officials framed the splash pad as a way to honor two agents who died in the line of duty while emphasizing community healing and public safety. Commissioners and attendees repeatedly stressed that the project should be family-focused and not a site of mourning, and that the city will maintain oversight of the donation and construction process.
Speakers listed as sources for this article include Special Agent Justin Houston (FBI Miami Division and FBI Agents Association Miami chapter representative), Natalie Barratt (president, FBI Agents Association), Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch, and Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo.
Ending
The commission's vote authorized staff to pursue a written donation agreement with the FBI Agents Association; that agreement will return to the commission for formal approval before work begins.
