Pinecrest Police Department

Today was a powerful reminder that when a community comes together around mental health, real change happens. Proud to stand alongside so many incredible people at the NAMIWalks Miami-Dade event supporting awareness, education, advocacy, and hope for those affected by mental illness.

Because of the generosity of our community, Team Stride Therapy exceeded our fundraising goal, increasing it from $1,000 to over $1,200 in support of mental health awareness and services. Thank you to everyone who donated, walked, volunteered, encouraged others, and helped move this mission forward. Your support truly matters.

A special thank you to our donors:

Robert Liberman, Latrice Payen, Richard Manso, Natalie Aleman, Daniel Guenechea, Yariela Sequeira, Leah Vivancos, Ana Trejo, Nicole Stewart, Enrique Mulet, Chief Jason Cohen, Maria Navarro, Jorge y Ingrid Osores, Satyaveer Tyagi, Geissa Peralta, Leodanys Collazo, David Brenner, and Justin Volpe.

We also want to acknowledge and thank the anonymous donor who contributed in support of this important cause.

A special thank you as well to the Pinecrest Superheroes, Merlin Baglin, Captain Edison Cruz, Officer Yosdany Vierra, Officer Barriga, Buster, and our Police Explorers for helping us connect with families and members of the community throughout the event. Your presence, support, and commitment helped make the day even more meaningful.

Together, we continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and reminding others that they are never alone.

Thank you to NAMI Miami-Dade for everything you do for our community. 💚

MentalHealthForAll StrideTherapy

On May 8, 2026, Officers Nelson Salgado and Lenor Sarria were awarded Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition by María Elvira Salazar for their dedication, commitment, and lifesaving efforts in service to the communities they protect.

On the same day, Chief Jason Cohen and Captain Edison Cruz were also recognized by Congresswoman Salazar for their continued leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

The Village of Pinecrest Police Department is proud of these individuals and their unwavering commitment to public safety and service.

In honor of National Police Week, the Pinecrest Police Department was proud to participate in the 482nd Security Forces Squadron’s Police Week Expo & Recruitment Event at Homestead Air Reserve Base.

This event brought together military and civilian law enforcement agencies from across South Florida to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, strengthen partnerships, and engage with the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Representing Pinecrest Police were Officer Paez, our Recruitment Specialist, Amy Petkovich from Human Resources, and Officer Barriga, Buster’s handler. The team connected with service members, fellow officers, and community members while showcasing career opportunities and the mission of our department. Buster was, as always, a crowd favorite.

Thank you to the 482nd Security Forces Squadron for hosting a well-organized and meaningful event centered on camaraderie, service, and recruitment.

Pinecrest

On April 29, the Village of Pinecrest Police Department’s Community Response Team (CRT), along with Buster and our Pinecrest Police Explorers, joined Palmetto Elementary students, families, and staff for their annual P.E. Night.

From the 1-mile jog to hands-on activities and plenty of smiles, the evening highlighted the importance of staying active while strengthening community connections. Our officers enjoyed engaging with students and parents in a fun, positive environment outside of their normal duties.

Thank you to Palmetto Elementary for the invitation and for hosting such a well-attended community event.

PoliceAndCommunity