MIAMI (WSVN) - Authorities are conducting a death investigation after a Doral Police officer apparently took his own life in Southwest Miami-Dade, a 7News source said.
7News cameras captured a solemn police escort as the officer’s body was taken to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office, late Wednesday morning.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Southwest 157th Avenue and 160th Street, just after 6:20 a.m. and found a man unresponsive, investigators said.
The 7News source said the unresponsive man was a Doral Police officer.
On Wednesday evening, officials identified the officer as Erwin Fernandez.
7Skyforce hovered above an ambulance transport carrying Fernandez as it made its way under police escort.
Parts of the Florida Turnpike and Palmetto Expressway was briefly shut down as the rescue truck drove to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
A U.S. flag waved as the motorcade arrived at the medical examiner’s office in Miami, while many law enforcement officers, including Doral Police officers, stood on the street saluting as a final show of respect.
Fernandez is described as a devoted husband, loving father of three and a proud member of the Doral Police Department having served there for 13 years.
Photos on social media shows him being recognized for saving lives.
The City of Doral took to Instagram to confirm one of their officers lost his life. The statement reads in part:
“Today we say goodbye not only to an exceptional public servant, but to a man who wore his badge with integrity, humility and an unwavering sense of duty. His kindness, his dedication to serving others, and his steadfast commitment to the safety of our comunity will forever remain in our hearts.”
Doral Police Chief Matthew Castillo also issued a statement that reads:
“Our officers and staff are grieving the loss of one of their own. Policing is more than a profession. The people you serve alongside become family, and a loss like this is felt deeply throughout our department.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, 1-800-273-8255 or visit 988lifeline.org. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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