Final salute for fallen Miami-Dade Police Detective Cesar Echaverry; funeral held at LoanDepot Park

MIAMI (WSVN) - South Florida officials said their final goodbye to a Miami-Dade Police officer.

Law enforcement carried the casket of 29-year-old Cesar Echaverry, also known as Echy, into LoanDepot park, Wednesday morning.

A final salute was given to the fallen officer, whose casket was draped with the American flag.

His family was in the audience seen crying and holding one another.

“We pray for his blood family, especially his mother and father, his beloved sister and his fiancée,” said a police officer.

Wednesday’s procession took place at the home of the Marlins, which was chosen because of Echaverry’s love for baseball.

That enthusiasm for baseball was present at the procession with jerseys with the fallen officer’s name worn by members of his family.

“Thank you to the Miami Marlins. This is a team that Echy so loved,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “You opened your doors for this remembrance in a place that was so special to him and to his family. Our county, especially our law enforcement community, weeps today.

“A true hero, a true public servant, a man that will continue to impact our community beyond his natural life,” said MDPD Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III.

His best friend, a Miami-Dade County firefighter talked of their daily breakfasts.

“Once we’d show up the waitresses wouldn’t even acknowledge us at times,” said Leo Meneses. “They would just send over the food and the cafecito because it was the same thing every day: huevos revueltos, con tostado y un colada then we were ready for the day.”

A montage distilled Echaverry’s 29 years into just a few heartfelt minutes. Moments punctuated by his love of his Robbery Intervention Detail unit, baseball, his beloved dirt bike and his family.

Echaverry’s sister, Sandra, was emotional as she took the podium.

“Until we see each other again in heaven. I love you with all my heart, mi hermanito bello,” she said. “Love your saina.”

His fiancée Stephanie Vargas also shared her grief. She shared how the two met as seventh graders but didn’t date until reconnecting as adults.

“After his shift, babe would pass by my house in the middle of the night and would leave me these yellow post it or notebook papers that would say ‘I love you’ or ‘Have a great day’ on my car door or window,” she said.

They became engaged this past January. She described his softer side.

“Babe, I will always love you no matter how much time passes,” said Vargas. “Watch over all of us here today and always.”

The five-year veteran at the department was injured during a shootout between police and an armed robbery suspect on Aug. 15. He was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center.

His family was by his side when he passed away a couple of days later.

After the service, the honor guard ceremonially escorted Officer Echaverry to Miami Executive Airport.

A private plane will take off with Echaverry’s body from Miami Executive Airport where he and his family will fly to Nicaragua, where he will be laid to rest.

Now, his family and the community continue to grieve the loss of Echaverry.

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