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Congratulations to Sergeant Gordon Dickinson, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Year Award,” for 2022.
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I would like to nominate Sgt. Gordon Dickinson (7078) for the 2022 Officer of the Year Award. This year, the Coral Gables Police Department has been able to successfully deter and apprehend many different offenders who have attempted to come into the city to take advantage of its residents and visitors. Whenever a crime has occurred, there has been an immediate response by officers in coordination with other units and divisions, leading to arrests and cleared cases. I believe Sgt. Dickinson has played a large role in many of those instances, with his leadership and ability to set the example for his subordinates. Below are just some of the incidents that took place this year to show his value to this agency.
On March 26, 2022, at 0943 hours, CGPD Communications Section received a 911 call from 2401 Ponce De Leon Blvd, TD Bank, from a bank teller stating he has just been robbed. As Officers were locating the robbery subject utilizing the confidential tracking system, Sgt. Dickinson immediately responded to the TD Bank and located the victim and witness to get additional information, while securing the scene. The officers were able to stop the offender and get her out of the vehicle, placing her into custody. After the incident, both scenes were properly secured for the FBI, which they later thanked Coral Gables Police for the thorough and complete investigation. (22-001899)
On April 1, 2022, at 0640 hours, officers responded to the 700-block of Solano Prado reference a suspicious vehicle dropping off subjects into the gated community reference possible vehicle and residential burglaries. The officers located the subjects and vehicles that were burglarized. However, one of the offenders ran from officers and a perimeter was established. Sgt. Dickinson was able to lead the efforts with his K-9 unit to conduct a search of the area. Stitch, Sgt. Dickinson’s K-9 dog, located the offender in the bushes of a backyard of a residence, resulting in a dog bite apprehension. The 3 offenders were arrested for various felony burglary and theft charges. (22-002037)
On May 27, 2022, the Coral Gables Police Department prepared an Operation Plan for a caravan demonstration which took place on the 1100-block of Ponce De Leon Blvd regarding the United States embargo against Cuba. However, the demonstration included counter demonstrators who assembled at the same location. During the roll call, Lt. Werner and Sgt. Dickinson gave out clear assignments, directions, rules of engagement, and contingency plans. The supervisors and officers on scene were able to keep demonstrators, with approximately 100 people on each side, limited to only the sidewalk and parking spaces of the 1100-block of Ponce De Leon Blvd while maintaining the flow of traffic.
Each supervisor and officer on this date played a critical role for maintaining safety for our residents, guests, and event participants while allowing those involved to voice their political concerns fairly without bias and with the highest professionalism. (22-003374)
On July 22, 2022, at 1004 hours, the CGPD Communications Section received a 911 call from 10 Aragon Av in reference to a shooting that just occurred, with a victim laying on the ground. They advised the two offenders fled in a possible Dodge Avenger. Sgt. Dickinson located the vehicle, a black Dodge Caliber, and once he got behind the vehicle, a pursuit ensued. Both offenders bailed from the vehicle and Sgt. Dickinson advised dispatch of their physical description, direction of travel and where he needed responding units for a perimeter. As several CGPD units arrived on perimeter posts, Sgt. Dickinson requested support for K-9 from surrounding agencies. He then responded to the Command Post where he assisted in coordinating a canine search team with SWAT members. Both offenders were subsequently located and identified by Sgt. Dickinson and the evidence, including the firearm and cash, were safely recovered.
Unfortunately, the victim in this incident succumbed to his injuries on the scene. However, thanks to Sgt. Dickinson’s adept experience, unwavering dedication, and composure under stress, the Coral Gables Police Department, in partnership with surrounding agencies, were able to immediately apprehend and arrest two dangerous homicide offenders who were intentionally targeting victims within the City of Coral Gables. (22-004550)
On September 18, 2022, at 1430 hours, Sgt. Dickinson was parked at the 300 block of Catalonia Avenue in his marked police vehicle. He observed a subject walking toward the front porch of 2900 Lejeune Road. The subject picked up packages and got into a 2014 gray Toyota Camry with the second subject in the driver seat. Due to the high number of package thefts in the area and the subject not going into the residence with the packages, Sgt. Dickinson pulled up in front of the Toyota. The driver then put the Toyota in reverse as Sgt. Dickinson began to exit his police vehicle. The vehicle then went around Sgt. Dickinson’s police vehicle, so he immediately issued a BOLO for the vehicle, which was located by other officers in the area. The subjects bailed from the vehicle, but a perimeter was quickly established by responding officers. Both subjects were taken into custody and charged with theft. The packages, which belonged to several different victims, were recovered. (22-5870)
On November 26, 2022, at 0958 hours, CGPD Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Mercado Av reference a suspicious vehicle with 4 males wearing covid masks, who then began walking on foot, looking at homes. Sgt. Dickinson was the first to arrive and located the vehicle, a black BMW X3, which was later discovered to have a male slumped down, attempting to avoid detection. Sgt. Dickinson found a second offender walking on the 1400 block of Mercado Av. Sgt. Dickinson quickly notified dispatch to have units canvass the area for the other subjects at large. All four offenders were located and detained to conduct a further investigation.
Sgt. Dickinson took the lead on the call and quickly notified the on-call detective while separating each subject. Two of the offenders confessed to attempting to break into the home of 1432 Mendavia Av. All four subjects were arrested and taken to TGK. (22-7521; 22-7522)
Sgt. Dickinson played an intricate role in each of these incidents that were vital to maintaining the safety of the residents and visitors of the City of Coral Gables. These actions resulted with Sgt. Dickinson receiving 2 Officers of the Month Awards, four Squad Certificate Awards, and a Unit Certificate Award.
for the year 2022 alone. Sgt. Dickinson not only gives direction for those under his command, but he has always led by example by actively patrolling and apprehending violent offenders throughout his twenty-seven-year career with the City of Coral Gables. He should be recognized and commended for his leadership and courage. Therefore, I believe Sgt. Gordon Dickinson should receive the 2022 Officer of the Year Award.