Freddy Ramirez returns to Miami-Dade Police Department as senior advisor after suicide attempt – NBC 6 South Florida

Former Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez will return to the department as a senior aide months after a suicide attempt that nearly took his life.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced Wednesday that Ramirez will return to the department as senior advisor for policing and transition on Jan. 23, 2024, following his medical clearance.

Ramirez will focus on preparing MDPD for the transition to the elected sheriff, Levine Cava said.

Stephanie Daniels, who has led the department as interim director for the past few months, will be the new permanent director, Levine Cava said.

James Reyes, director of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, will assume an expanded role as public safety director, overseeing the Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Corrections Department.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our residents and visitors, and I am grateful to be surrounded by an exceptional team of public safety professionals dedicated to protecting and serving Miami-Dade,” Levine Cava said in a statement . “This new public safety leadership team will ensure we draw on long-standing expertise across our departments while promoting proven leaders.”

A new law enforcement report illustrated the scene shortly after Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez attempted suicide in his car on the side of the road near Tampa. NBC6’s Kim Wynne reports

Ramirez announced in September that he would be dropping out of the 2024 Miami-Dade sheriff’s race. He was one of ten candidates, but was viewed by many as the leading candidate and enjoyed the support of law enforcement and top administration in the district office.

The election creates the first sheriff’s office in Miami-Dade County since the 1960s.

Ramirez has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department for nearly 30 years. It is the largest department in the southeastern United States and the eighth largest in the country.

The suicide attempt took place on July 23rd. Ramirez had been attending the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s annual summer conference at a Marriott hotel in Tampa when he was involved in an incident with his wife.

Ramirez left the hotel and was driving south on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough when he stopped and shot himself, authorities said.

The 52-year-old was taken to a Tampa area hospital and underwent surgery. Authorities previously said Ramirez did not suffer brain damage but would likely lose his right eye.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live on 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.