City of Miramar Police Department Det. Diaz, Community Leader, and Great Supporter of UIC Recognized by the United States Attorney General at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano

On Monday, June 5th, Detective Yessenia Diaz, from the Miramar Police Department, received a Medal by the Honorable Merrick B. Garland, U.S. Attorney General, at the 6th Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, which took place at the Department of Justice of the United States in Washington, DC. Det. Diaz who is a tenured 20 year law enforcement member of the Miramar Police Department and part of the Miramar Police Community Resource Unit for 8 years was conferred the Distinguished Service Medal under the category of Innovations in Community Policing based on her ongoing work with the residents  of the City of Miramar and S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together). 

United International College’s President, Lydia Bautista Moller; Provost, Angelica Moyano; and Director of Communications, Dr. Marcela Moyano, attended the Awards Ceremony and celebrated this important recognition to one of the leaders of the City of Miramar and a great supporter of UIC. Her dedication and daily commitment to our residents and students could not go unnoticed by our team.

Det. Diaz was first introduced to UIC as the Community Resource Officer assigned to the college’s area  in 2015. Promptly after she met UIC’s administrators, a relationship of mutuality was established between the City of Miramar Police Department and United International College. She shared her genuine spirit to serve and lead from day one with us.

Along the years, UIC has worked alongside the Miramar Police Department in support of crime prevention through various community events to aid conversation such as Coffee with a Cop, Tea Time,National Night Out; diversity and equality through the LGBTQ campaign; and the Miramar Police Department S.A.L.T  (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together) at theTropical Holiday Fashion Show, held in conjunction with the Florida National Army Guard Military Officers in which Photography UIC students captured the runway with their cameras. Months later, students curated an art exhibition with the photographs and police officers, firefighters and all residents  were invited to attend the art exhibition. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miramar Police and Fire Departments honored UIC graduates with a drive-by parade with police patrols and fire trucks. Officers held up banners congratulating the graduating class. 

UIC students have also completed the Citizens Police Academy and H.OL.A. (Hispanic Outreach Law enforcement Academy), which are great ways to prevent crime and empower the community. Miramar Police S.A.L.T Holiday gift drives for seniors and Cookie and Milk events have also been part of developing the long standing relationship with the senior residents  of the City of Miramar and its Police Department. 

At UIC, students take the Business Communication course to better prepare them for career opportunities. UIC invites professionals to conduct mock interviews with UIC students as part of the course and Det Diaz has served as a volunteer for several years.  

Many of UIC students are international and have various opinions of law enforcement when they arrive in the United States.  As a way to reshape their idea of law enforcement, Det Diaz has participated in multiple UIC student and faculty events. This partnership extends the lines of communication through cultures, race, gender and fosters equity and inclusion to all involved.

During the Health Awareness for Life Foundation’s Community Health Fairs that take place at UIC, she has always found a way to promote safety and City of Miramar programs to all who attended. She has been a huge advocate of “SwimSafety Programs” promoting free swim flyers, safety games and even setting up her own sign up booths where members of various religious groups, and  cultures have participated.

On Monday morning, during the ceremony, United States Attorney General Garland referred to the award recipients as “true Nation’s Heroes who put their lives on the line for their communities.” Detective Diaz truly embodies a servant leader who can bring the community together to build up stronger in innovative ways while taking care of its most vulnerable members. 

United International College is honored to be a part of this important contribution to the City of Miramar. We were  honored to have witnessed Detective Yessenia  Diaz’ recognition at the United States Department of Justice in Washington DC.