Press Release
Doral Police Department Wins Most Awards at 19th Annual LEO Awards Gala
Doral, FL – On Saturday, March 2, 2019, the Doral Police Department participated in the 19th Annual L.E.O. Awards Gala held at Trump National Doral Resort. The Law Enforcement Officer Award, better known as the LEO Awards, is a prestigious honor bestowed on members of law enforcement and support staff for actions that extend beyond ordinary. The Doral Police Department towered above all other agencies, taking home an unprecedented three out of four awards. The winners were:
LEO Uniform Patrol Services Division Award – Category Two
Doral PD Sergeant Luis Celis
Sergeant Luis Celis was nominated for his incredible display of courage and valor while responding to an active shooter at the Trump National Resort. Sergeant Celis entered immediately although taking on gunfire towards himself and others, Sergeant Celis returned fire striking the subject who attempted to flee on foot but was pursued by Sergeant Celis and apprehended, ending the threat to other innocent victims.
LEO Investigative Services Division Award – Category Two
Criminal Investigations Section - Doral PD
Nominated as a Unit, this team of investigators had an incredible year of successful, high-profile investigations covering armed carjackings, armed robberies, burglaries, sexual trafficking cases and sex crimes against juveniles. All cases were investigated thoroughly and arrests resulted, as well as property recovered.
LEO Crime Prevention/Community Policing Award – Category Two
Neighborhood Resource Unit - Doral PD
This high profile, community involved unit, has excelled in developing police/community relations throughout the city. Winner of the prestigious Explorer Excellence Award for work with youths; National Night out programs and numerous community programs for seniors, school students and safety events, this unit is highly honored and recognized for their work.
OFFICERS OF THE YEAR
Sergeant Luis Celis – Doral PD
Sergeant Scott Demby – Doral PD
Officer Alberto Tellez – Doral PD
Officer Ralph Cuan - Doral PD
Officer Joseph Azrak – Miami-Dade Police Department
This team of officers from the Doral Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department combined actions and efforts in a volatile situation, to take down an active shooter who engaged them in gunfire in the open lobby of the Trump National Resort. Their professionalism and tactical skills allowed no injuries except to the armed subject.
Also nominated and a finalist in the LEO Specialized Services Award category was the Doral PD Traffic Unit for their creativity and excellence in developing new and old programs for the betterment of traffic issues.
The Department is honored to be represented by these LEO Award finalists and winners who were recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments. Their actions stand true to our philosophy, “We are the Guardians; a shield forged by truth, valor, diversity, and reverence.”
About the LEO Awards and Foundation
Founded by Donald Carlin, he believed that the members, both sworn and civilian, serving in law enforcement deserved to be recognized in the most prestigious way possible. Mr. Carlin's dream was to show his appreciation by hosting a yearly gala in which the entire community as well as the various police agencies would participate in honoring the best of the best. As a result, the annual LEO Gala was born. The foundation provides funding for the Police Officers Assistance Trust (P.O.A.T.) and other charitable organizations. The LEO Foundation works in conjunction with the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police whose members include federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecuting officials.
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