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Congratulations to Sergeant Velier Zaccheo, recipient of the 2024 Robert DeKorte Memorial Award.
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The Robert DeKorte Memorial Award is the largest and most coveted award given by the City of Coral Gables to a Police Officer. The award consists of a $5,000 cash award, 40 hours of annual leave and the Officer’s name engraved on the Robert Dekorte Memorial Plaque. The recipient is selected by members of the Coral Gables Police Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police Executive Committee, after receiving nominations at large from officers of the Police Department.
The Robert DeKorte Memorial Award is given annually in memory of Officer Robert Dekorte, a 19-year veteran of the Coral Gables Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on January 21, 1972, while attempting to apprehend two subjects as they committed an armed robbery at a local liquor store.
The late Commissioner, Mrs. Rebyl Zain, proposed that an award be given each year to the officer who best exemplifies courage, dedication, and devotion to duty. This Officer must also exhibit courtesy and a positive image to the public and help promote brotherhood and morale in the Department, as Bob DeKorte was always a friend to all.