“The Greatest Gift from Government is that of Good Service….”
By: Chief Fred A. Maas, Interim City Manager

“When I started my law enforcement career, a very, very long time ago, (31 years to be exact), I was advised by a very wise old Lieutenant, something I NEVER forgot. He told me that the majority of people only call or experience contact with a police officer, once in their lifetime. Good, decent, law abiding citizens rarely have direct contact with police. But when they do, the impression you leave with them can be everlasting and it can be widespread.

You see, whether it was a traffic stop, a call to a neighbor’s house, a false alarm, a car accident or a crisis, the manner in which you treated, handled and acted towards them may be the first and only contact they have or will ever have with a police officer. “You decide how you want them to remember and regard you!”

Although I have not always succeeded, I have long remembered that advice. And for the most part I try and conduct myself accordingly when dealing with the public so that they may consider “their” police department as responsive, helpful, courteous, timely and attentive; and all done with a smile.

I think it is and should be the same for all divisions of the government of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, your government services. Whether it is the first floor receptionist at the Information Center, to the permit clerks and code officers, and zoning administrators and building inspectors of the 3rd floor, to the elected officials and administrative staff of the 4th floor, the philosophy should be the same. A positive attitude of “How Can I Help You” and a genuine follow thru of helpful service even if it is not our job or our area of assignment, THAT should be our goal.

Now I am not naïve enough especially after 30+ years of dealing with ALL sorts people, personalities and moods, to realize that there are times when you just CANNOT help someone or even reason with them. But those incidences are rare. I have seen people come in with a scowl, or an attitude or ready to do battle. I have seen people be downright rude, offensive and argumentative for no reason other than they think that will get them what they want. Usually, it doesn’t and it sure doesn’t help.

What I HAVE seen is how a polite, friendly, helpful, customer service type employee can truly make a difference in a person’s day or attitude in the manner in which “YOU,” the employee handled them. I’ve seen transition occur before my very eyes where a government official or employee has totally changed the demeanor and attitude of a citizen. How? By simply remembering and abiding by that philosophy of “How Can I Help You Today!!

In the police department we have a slogan that soon will become our official motto. “Making a Difference, One Call at a Time…”
I truly believe that the vast majority of the employees in the service employment of the City of Sunny Isles Beach have that attitude and philosophy. A true commitment to making a difference for service, in how they helped and treated them, one call or one case, or one permit, or one request, at a time…

As Interim City Manager and as Chief of Police, I have recently overseen a vast majority of our government employees from all divisions. We, You, and I are ALL very blessed and fortunate for the most part because this city has some incredibly dedicated and committed employees. This is more then a just a job; they have a passion to help the people they serve. They may not ALWAYS hit their mark and neither do I. Do any of us always succeed? But as long as that re-commitment and re-dedication to “Make a Difference, One Call at a Time” is there, then we will be giving the greatest gift that your city government can give back to you. The gift of “Good Service…”

To all of our city officials, our employees, our police and public safety employees, our lifeguards and anyone who represents this City of Sunny Isles Beach, and to YOU, our residents and business owners, I wish you a very blessed and healthy and happy Holiday Season, however you might celebrate it.

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