By: Chief Fred Mass

Recently the Florida State Police Olympic competitions were held in Sarasota, Florida. This event traditionally draws thousands of police competitors from around the state to participate in competitions of many sports and skills. This event has been going on for over 35 years.

This year, one of our finest from Sunny Isles Beach, playing on the baseball team representing Dade County, experienced the ultimate as his team won the Gold Medal in Baseball. Sergeant Eddy Santiago who played extremely well during the competition by smashing a home run in one of the games and had several key hits in other games stood alongside his teammates as their “gold medals” were presented to them. Having been in this position myself in previous years, I assure you it is a tremendous and euphoric feeling of accomplishment, joy and pride.

In Eddy Santiago’s case, the team went undefeated thru the tournament, beating the City of Miami in the championship game for the Gold Medal. South Florida teams finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively.

Eddy Santiago is a former college baseball player locally, although by his own admission it has been a “few years” since those college days. But he prides himself both as an athlete and a police officer and keeps himself in shape which allows him to still play today.

We are very proud of all our officers who participate from Sunny Isles Beach. Several have won medals in past years and again came close this year. But there is nothing comparable to standing there, individually or as a part of a team, as the ultimate prize is placed around your neck in the form of the “Gold Medal.” Just ask Eddy Santiago when you see him! He supervises the midnight shift in Uniform Patrol and in our opinion does a gold medal job at that too! Congratulations Eddy, I hope that smile never wears off your face!