First Graduates of Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Step in Service

For the 47 members of Basic Law Enforcement Class #143, their graduation on Thursday, January 16, 2025, was a moment for them to celebrate their accomplishments with their classmates, family, and friends, but the ceremony also represented a watershed moment that made the event even more special. The deputies are the first class to graduate under the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), the newly-minted agency that replaced the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The graduation was the second historic event in two weeks for MDSO. On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, inside the same venue, the Miami-Dade College North Campus School of Justice auditorium, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz was sworn in. She is the first Hispanic woman elected sheriff in the state’s history, and the first woman elected sheriff in Miami-Dade County history. The graduation was her first class as well. She had a message for the deputies.

“Have courage, to enter into dark alleys, places no one else would be willing to go, to help those that need it the most, but additionally, have courage to do what is right, to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and have courage to be the example in law enforcement that everyone should look up to, and that courage may actually be more stressful than entering that dark alley. You see, we train you on how to enter that dark alley, but I think we’re still working on teaching you how to be those positive examples to each other. It has been a personal goal of mine, through this time, as I enter into the role of sheriff, to find better ways to make that goal a reality. I hope that you will come along on that journey with me, you see we are all firsts.”

Sheriff Cordero-Stutz added, “This is a significant moment in the history of the office of the sheriff, you see, BLE 143, will never happen again, it will forever be known as the very first class of deputy sheriffs of the county of Miami-Dade, and those are very big shoes to fill, just as I’m being asked to fill these shoes as sheriff. I want you to know that I am counting on you, this community is counting on you, but this is just the beginning. Always grow, always serve, always lead, and you don’t have to do that with stars or stripes on your collar or shirt, you can do it in action. I look forward to seeing you serve this community alongside me as the first deputy sheriffs of Miami-Dade County.”

Among the graduates are three deputies with unique backgrounds and skills. Class Leader Robert Grillo introduced them to the crowd of approximately 2,000 people attending the graduation, saying that their contribution enhanced their training, which began on April 1, 2024.

Deputy Wilbur Harbin Jr., is a retired Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department Chief. He joined the academy at 55-years-old. “Trainee Harbin demonstrated that at no matter what stage of life you find yourself in, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and to never give up,” Deputy Grillo said.

Deputy Asalemo Fruean Jr., is a veteran of the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, Sheriff Division, based in Honolulu, Hawaii. “His insights and expertise helped us navigate the rigorous demands of the police academy,” Deputy Grillo said.

Deputy Doryam Jusino Mayoral was regarded as the biggest asset for the class, serving in the role of executive officer, a position that supports the class leader. Deputy Grillo said that she played a crucial role in maintaining order, accountability, and organization throughout the nine-month academy. “Her efforts in coordinating events that our class oversaw hosting were invaluable, trainee Jusino, your support as the executive officer for BLE 143, helped me navigate challenges that we faced and for that we are truly grateful.”