“Loyalty, Leadership and Dedication, They All Begin at the Top…”
By Chief Fred Maas

As police chief, I have always been extraordinarily pleased and many times reminded of the unequivocal devotion given by my command staff at the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. I will assure you that you will not find a more dedicated, hard working, caring and loyal support staff than currently in place.

I have been re-reminded of this time and time again, but most especially over the past (6) six months. Allow me to recap and reminisce. It began way before Hurricane Wilma but was only accentuated during that time as to the countless number of hours, even when exhausted, they continued to put in. Working thru days off, working extended hours, performing jobs, tasks and assignments well beyond the scope of their required duties. And normally, you see, they do not receive overtime or compensation for this extra effort, they do it because of you, because of the Community, because of their years of experience and work ethic and because they believe it is the Right Thing to Do!

One cannot buy such loyalty and dedication, and there is no price tag that could be placed upon it even if you could. Like Master Card says, “PRICELESS.”

Most recently, we have had several instances within our City that have more than stretched the limits of our manpower. Lane reductions causing severe traffic issues and this weekend a nationwide draw for a concert and show in Haulover Park that tasked all the surrounding municipalities, again with unbelievable traffic.

And yet all thru this, never a word of complaint, never a whine or gripe, they just donned their uniform, came in on what is supposed to be their day or days off, took a traffic post along Collins Avenue and did just what every rank and file patrol officer would do: they got their hands dirty directing traffic for more than 8-10 hours. They did their job, and did it well! And when it was all over, they assessed what had to be done for the next day and made plans and acknowledged what time they would all be in, yes, again, on their day off to do it all over again.

One can only hope that such example is not only recognized but appreciated by the troops who serve under them. You see, the major difference is that one intersection, one officer may be on overtime, while right next to him stands a senior command staff officer, doing the same job, on his day off, for no compensation, other than personal pride and the desire to get the job done for his community. In my 31 years of law enforcement, I have seen the best and I have seen the worst in supervisors and leaders. I have witnessed the self-centered, egotistical, all about me, drive to the top that couldn’t lead a horse to the feed bucket. And I have seen the humble, live and work by setting the example, unselfish, respected leader who quietly goes about doing not only his/her job, but helps others beneath them, subordinates, do theirs. Even when it is not enviable or glamorous to do so! And directing traffic is not an enviable or glamorous detail. However, it does evoke the pride and respect and appreciation of the community when they see EVERYONE from their police department, whom they know by first name in most cases, assisting in the dilemma of our city. Few can ever say “They don’t know what it’s like…” because they certainly do.

I thank them, I commend them and I want others to take note of them, thru their example and their attitude. Now THAT is a way to the top!!

IN APPRECIATION TO:

Captain Michael Grandinetti
Lieutenant Rick Feisthammel
Lieutenant Dwight Snyder

From Chief Maas
And Assistant Chief Ernand
And the Troops!!!

Thank You!!

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