By Chief Fred Maas

I have always been proud to sing the praises and accomplishments of my officers who work for you, the people of Sunny Isles Beach.  Whether they saved a life, captured a robber or burglar, or simply did a noble deed for the less fortunate.

And that is why I am delighted to tell you of a most recent accomplishment by one of your public safety officers, Sgt. Lee Athanasiou.  Some of you will recognize the name because about 4-5 years ago he and his wife Elaine celebrated the birth of their triplets, of course there were difficulties as one of the three had medical complications that even 4 years later they are dealing with.  Is it any WONDER, she is my favorite of the three?  I always LOVED the underdog!  I remember short but important visits to Children’s Variety Hospital to see them, support them, reassure them and then wanting to hide and cry because I felt so much for them.  Medically, I couldn’t explain what that baby went thru to survive.  But she did, and she’s SPECIAL!!

Even after enduring all this, a wife saddled with triplets, a husband working to serve and protect the public, I have great news for you!

Sgt. Lee Athanasiou completed his and his family’s dream by recently receiving his college degree, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida International University.  Think that’s tough?  Try doing it while working the midnight shift, going home to your trio of loving daughters and wife who vie for your attention; studying for tests and coming back to work!  Success?  Yes. The difficult way?  ABSOLUTELY!!

But is anything more enjoyed than receiving it thru hard work and overcoming obstacles?  I think not!!  Some have had it handed to them, but I assure you it is not of the same value.  How often did you and I, and our parents, hear stories of the struggle of our grandparents?  That may be the “Greatest Story Ever Told…” and I have a chapter in that book, about Lee and Elaine Athanasiou and their beautiful “3” miracles.  It’s called “Against the Odds” as Lee received his degree with the love and support of his wife and 3 daughters…..  Congratulations Lee and Family.