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2018 POLICE MEMORIAL

On Thursday, May 5, 2016, the Coral Gables Police Department paid tribute once again to those who died in the line of duty protecting our community.  It is a dark reminder of the continuous unseen threat our men and women in blue encounter each and every day.  We also take this moment to remember those officers who died while on duty - Officer Robert Bonnet and Detective Michael "Mac" McLane.

The program included welcoming remarks by Officer Kelly Denham, who along with Officer Lauren Poole, did an exceptional job once again of putting this beautiful event together.  The Presentation of Colors by the CGPD Honor Guard and remarks by members of the City Commission followed.  Chief Edward J. Hudak delivered a heart-felt salute to our fallen officers and Saint Andrew's Pipe Band Member Robert Ritchie played a beautiful Amazing Grace.

The 21-Gun Salute by the Honor Guard is always striking and one never seizes to be startled by its significance.  Officer Wesley Urrutia played a memorable and beautiful Taps. 

We would like to thank the families of Officer Walter F. Stathers, Officer Louis Pena, Sergeant Alfred Terrinoni and Officer Robert Bonnet for joining us this year.  As times passes, memories fade but these men are never forgotten.

Special thanks to Wayne and Sherry Stathers and their two daughters for donating a K-9 vest to Officer Alex Engmann for K9 Roy.
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We thank Reverend Arnold Perry and Rabbi Jonathan Fisch for their never-ending support of our officers and this department.

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CORAL GABLES HISTORY OF FALLEN OFFICERS

Officer Robert H. Bonnet - 47 years of age - Tour 20 years

Officer Bonnet suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in his department's fitness program in preparation for a required annual physical.  He had just finished his warm up exercises and was beginning to jog when he collapsed and pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital.  He had previously served with the Dade County School Board Police Department for four years and the Homestead Police Department for five years.  He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, mother, sister and grandmother.

Sergeant  Alfred Terrinoni - 38 years of age - Tour 16 years

Sergeant Terrinoni was shot and killed while working an off-duty security job for a local restaurant.  He was returning to his car after making a night deposit when four suspects attempted to rob him.  When he identified himself as an officer and attempted to stop the robbery, he was shot.  Two of the suspects were convicted and sentenced to life.  

He was survived by his daughter.

Police Officer Louis Pena - 42 years of age - Tour 12 years

Perished as a result of gunfire during a "routine" traffic stop, unaware that the suspect driving was a parolee who had stolen the vehicle.  While Officer Pena sat in his patrol car with his K-9, Abe, the driver of the stolen vehicle approached him several times, and after refusing to produce the required identification and as the passenger of the suspect's car exited their vehicle, the suspect shot him through the open window striking him mortally in the neck.  He was survived by his wife, son, three daughters, parents and two siblings.


Police Officer Robert Peter DeKorte - 45 years of age - Tour 20 years

Perished as a result of gunfire while responding to a holdup alarm at a local liquor store.  As he attempted to stop two suspects inside the store, they opened fire, striking Officer DeKorte in the chest area.  Although he was able to hold off the two suspects until responding units arrived, they broke free and fled.  One suspect was shot and killed and the second was apprehended, sentenced to life, denied parole in 2012 and is eligible for parole again in 2019. 

He was survived by his wife and children.



Police Officer Walter Franklin Stathers - 45 years of age -Tour 14 years

Perished as a result of gunfire, possibly with his own weapon, while on patrol of an upscale neighborhood he had serviced for nine years.  He had been on the lookout for a prowler throughout the shift and spotted him at 4:00am.  After engaging in a struggle, the suspect fatally shot him.

The suspect escaped and was never identified. 

He was survived by his wife and son.


Police Officer Billy Howard Stephens - 26 years of age - Tour 4 years

Perished as a result of a motorcycle accident while he and another officer escorted a local high school football team to a game.  Another vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of the officers, causing the collision.  Both officers had lights and sirens on at the time.

He was survived by his wife and infant daughter.


Constable Luther T. Hardison - 55 years of age - Tour 26 years

Perished as a result of gunfire with his own weapon while extraditing a prisoner from Los Angeles, California back to Florida.  The suspect was apprehended in New York City seven days later.  After his passing, his wife took over his job as constable.

He was survived by two sons and two daughters.


Officer Homer Collins Barton - 37 years of age - Tour 11 years

Perished as a result of gunfire while standing on a porch serving a traffic warrant in Miami.  Without provocation, an unrelated suspect opened fire from the house across the street.  The suspect was later apprehended.

He was survived by his wife and daughter.



Sergeant Francis Cyril Guest - 41 years of age - Tour 2 years

Perished as a result of an alcohol-related vehicular assault as he directed traffic at Douglas Road and Alhambra Circle on Christmas night.  The suspect was charged with manslaughter and served ONE year in jail.

He was survived by his wife and daughter.

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