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Opa-locka honors officers for response to fatal Feb. crash; multiple medals and commendations presented
Summary
City leaders awarded medals of valor, life-saving awards and chief's commendations to officers who responded to a February crash that killed five people. The commission publicly recognized the officers' actions and presented certificates and medals during the meeting.
The City of Opa-locka on March 26 publicly recognized a group of police officers for their response to a February 2025 crash in the Miami Gardens area that claimed five lives, including children. City leaders presented bronze medals of valor, life-saving awards and chief's commendations for the officers' actions at the scene.
Police departments said officers responded when they encountered a multi-vehicle crash in which a speeding SUV struck a family vehicle and pushed it into another vehicle, crushing the family car. Officers exposed themselves to hazardous fluids at the scene, extracted victims and began life-saving measures, department officials said.
"In solemn recognition of your extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication, we commend you all for your heroic response to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 5 individuals," the Chief of Police said during the presentation, praising the officers for courage and professionalism.
Officers and awards listed on the record included Officer Kirby Nord (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Terry Johnson (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Timothy Bourne (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Jasmine Ramos (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Rodney Jean Baptiste (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Officer Marie Noel (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Officer Jamesha McKinney (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Sergeant Larry Simon (chief's commendation and lifesaving award) and Sergeant Lawrence Harborough (chief's commendation and lifesaving award). The commission also recognized retired Chief Cheryl Kaysen with a certificate of appreciation for longstanding service to the city.
Mayor John Taylor and commissioners joined the chief in thanking officers. The awards package cited on-the-scene extraction, exposure to hazardous fluids and initiation of life-saving methods as the basis for recognition. The presentation closed with a request that the department continue support for the victims' families and public acknowledgement of the officers' service.
The certificates and medals were presented during the awards and proclamations portion of the meeting; the recognition is ceremonial and does not reflect any council action that changes department policy.
