Three members of the Sunny Isles Beach Police family say “goodbye”

By Corporal Brian D. Schnell, Public Information Officer

When a beloved member of any organization retires, or transfers out of an agency, the “goodbye” is never easy.  The members of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department find themselves doing it three times, in the span of a few months.  Sergeant Kenny Hackett came to Sunny Isles Beach in 2000, after serving an entire police career with the Hialeah Police Department.  After leaving Hialeah, Sergeant Hackett realized he could not leave South Florida because his family was here so he decided to stay in Police work.  He chose to conclude his career with Sunny Isles Beach, and has served with honor and professionalism for a decade.   Most recently, Sgt. Hackett has led the Sunny Isles Beach motor (traffic) unit.  He retired at the end of April, 2010.

Officers Katie Turner and Sheppard Edelstein both came to Sunny Isles in 2006.  Ironically, they attended the Police Academy together, served this community together, and now must leave because both of their families come first.  Officer Edelstein previously worked for a family owned local motel.  Earlier this year Officer Edelstein’s father Bernie, a local businessman passed away.  Officer Edelstein will now continue his father’s legacy, and run the family business.

Officer Turner described her departure as “extremely bitter sweet” because she “loves it here”.  Officer Turner came to Sunny Isles Beach after hearing so many positive things about our agency.  She describes her time here as “life changing” and says she will take what she has learned here with her throughout her life.  Officer Turner’s husband Brandon has devoted his life to serving our Nation in the United States Coast Guard.  Earlier this year, the Turners received notice that Brandon was being re-located to Jacksonville, Florida.  Officer Turner leaves our family at the end of May, 2010 while Officer Edelstein has agreed to remain with the agency until replacement officers can be hired.

Family and a desire to serve brought them here, and now their love and dedication to both draw them away.  We rarely say goodbye to Officers here, so saying it three times is very difficult.  You all will be missed, and your service to this agency, this community and to your colleagues will never be forgotten.  The City will miss you!