MIAMI (WSVN) - Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez will depart the agency to become the City of Miami’s next police chief, Doral and Miami officials said.
In a statement issued Friday morning, Doral Mayor Christi Fraga said Lopez will leave the city to take over the reins at the Miami Police Department, replacing outgoing Police Chief Manny Morales.
Fraga’s statement reads in part:
“Chief Lopez has been an exceptional leader for our city-someone who has led with integrity, strengthened trust within our community, and elevated the Doral Police Department in meaningful ways. We are incredibly proud of him and this next step in his career, even as we know we will truly miss him here in Doral.”
In a recent video posted to his social media account, Lopez is seen introducing himself to a driver in Doral. Later this year, he will be moving his career to the Magic City.
In a separate statement, Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and City Manager James Reyes confirmed Lopez’s appointment. Higgins wrote:
“Our City Manager, James Reyes, made a thoughtful decision in selecting Chief Lopez, a homegrown leader, dedicated public servant, and 28-year veteran who has spent his career serving our community with professionalism and integrity.”
In the city’s statement, Reyes wrote:
“Chief Edwin Lopez brings an exceptional record of leadership, a deep commitment to transparency, and a proven approach to community policing that has earned the trust of the communities where he has served. We are confident that he is the right leader to carry forward the Miami Police Department’s proud legacy while addressing the evolving needs of our growing and diverse city.”
Lopez is a familiar face in South Florida law enforcement, with decades of experience. He was with Miami-Dade Schools Police for 25 years and served as chief his final four years before moving to the Doral Police Department in 2023.
The change in leadership comes as Morales is set to retire in October.
In her statement, Fraga goes on to “thank Chief Lopez for his service, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Friday afternoon, Lopez issued a statement about this next chapter of his career. It reads:
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Doral alongside an incredible team of dedicated police professionals. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the City’s leadership, elected officials, and this community throughout my tenure. As I prepare to take on this new challenge, I look forward to meeting and working alongside the men and women of the Miami Police Department, as well as collaborating with the City’s leadership team, elected officials, and Mayor. I have tremendous respect for Chief Manuel Morales and the chiefs who served before him, whose leadership and dedication have helped shape one of the premier law enforcement agencies in our nation. I am humbled by the opportunity to continue building on that legacy while working to keep the community safe and strengthen relationships throughout the City of Miami.”
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.