By Chief Fred Maas

Joe Borrell and Bill Parrillo never met, never knew each other.  Yet, they were brought together in time on December 18, 2008, at a City Commission meeting, that recognized and memorialized them for very similar character and characteristics.

For the very first time of what the police department hopes will be a regular presentation, memorial awards in the name, honor and memory of these two men were given out to two members of the police department.

Joe Borrell was the father of longtime city resident Frank Borrell.  He was an international boxing champion of 3 countries and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 1969.  But he was honored for his characteristics and benevolence beyond athletic prowess.  Joe Borrell was honored for his qualities of work ethic, generosity, compassion, benevolence to youth and the less fortunate.  He was truly a man’s man!  His qualities were passed on thru his son Frank, who was thanked and recognized for his continued, long time support of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department.  The recipient of the 1st Joe Borrell Memorial Award was Sgt. Bobby Randazzo of the Marine Patrol Unit for his many years of dedicated, quality service to the community and possessing those characteristics symbolic of the Borrell Memorial Award.

William “Bill” Parrillo was a well known hard charging and relentless prosecutor for the Cook County, Illinois State Attorney and U.S. Attorney’s Office.  He was best known for his fearless style and never give up attitude.  But that was his work side.  There was another side to “Bill” Parrillo that has been passed on to his sons and grandsons who continue his legacy of benevolence, compassion and community involvement especially in helping youth and the less fortunate.  The reputation of the Parrillo family is national and their support to major programs including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is well known and record setting.  They have honored their father’s memory with a tradition of assisting law enforcement and have been responsible for many of our youth to attend special programs due to their generosity.  The recipient of the 1st William “Bill” Parrillo Award was K-9 Officer Rob Ostrov and “Diesel” for possessing the characteristics of Mr. Parrillo.

It was a great night and a great forum to give back and say “thanks” to two families who have quietly done so much, by remembering two great men, two honorable men who passed their legacy on thru their families.  We salute and honor them thru these Awards!!