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Congratulations to Sergeant Raiza Mardis, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month Award,” for November 2023.
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On November 21, 2023, at approximately 0300 hours, Sgt. Mardis stopped a suspicious male at the 500 block of Zamora Ave. She initially observed the male offender on a scooter, then coming down the front steps of 340 Zamora Av while carrying a backpack. Upon seeing Sgt. Mardis’ vehicle, the offender got back on his scooter to leave the area. Sgt. Mardis maintained visual contact of the offender and his suspicious actions. An NCIC/FCIC records check of the offender revealed an active bench warrant and a search yielded narcotics and stolen mail from different residence (CGPD 23-007726)
Sgt. Mardis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August 2023 and assigned to the Alpha Shift. Since returning to patrol duty, Sgt. Mardis has driven along with her officers to get to know them better and provide useful tools/information based on her knowledge and experience. Her eagerness to expand on their abilities has greatly assisted the alpha shift as it is a younger crew. It is evident that her high work ethic and propensity to capture offenders has followed her throughout her career. Sgt Mardis presence on the field during her tour of duty ensures that her officers know she is present and available, in addition to adding another eager crime fighter to patrol.
Sgt. Mardis is deserving of the Officer of the Month award because as she is navigating her new role as a supervisor, she is also displaying signs of a role model by proactively engaging the officers on alpha shift.