Ex Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez endorses Democratic candidate James Reyes for sheriff

MIAMI - Former Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez endorsed Miami-Dade County Democratic sheriff candidate James Reyes in a rare public appearance on Thursday.

“My last 30 years of my life have been devoted to this community and to the Miami-Dade Police Department,” Ramirez said. “I can tell you there is no one better suited for this task, which is the office of the sheriff.”

Ramirez has largely remained out of the public eye ever since he shot himself following an argument with his wife in Hillsborough County last November. Before his injury, Reyes was considered the Democratic frontrunner in the Miami-Dade sheriff's race.

With Ramirez out, Reyes was then handpicked by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in the sheriff's race. He also has been endorsed by a string of local leaders and the United Teachers of Dade.

Other organizations that have endorsed Reyes include the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, AFSCME Florida, and the South Florida AFL-CIO. In addition, Reyes has earned support from  Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony.

"Freddy is a beloved member of this community, a very well-respected leader in the Miami-Dade Police Department, and in law enforcement statewide and nationally," Reyes said.

Reyes is running against Republican sheriff candidate Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who currently works as the Assistant Investigative Services for the Miami-Dade Police Department. With the department for 30 years, Cordero-Stutz has leaned on her experience as to why she should be the county's first elected sheriff in nearly 60 years.

Cordero-Stutz has also picked up endorsements for the position, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Despite not being a cop, Reyes countered by stressing his executive leadership leading a sheriff's office, which includes 25 years of law enforcement experience in South Florida, including 22 with the Broward Sheriff's Office.

In his pitch, Reyes noted leading over 5600 employees, including law enforcement officers. He currently is the Chief of Public Safety in Miami-Dade and lives in Broward County.

Reyes also mentioned managing a $1.2 billion dollar budget and having the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association.

Miami-Dade has had an appointed "police director" since 1966. In 2018, Florida voters restored the elected sheriff position after passing Amendment 10.

The Miami-Dade sheriff election is on Nov. 5.