New Top Cop for Miami
Miguel Exposito expected to be named new chief of police for Miami
By JEFF BURNSIDE and BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 11:54 AM EDT, Thu, Nov 19, 2009
Miami didn't have to go far to find its newest police chief, selecting a 35-year veteran of the force to replace outgoing Chief John Timoney.
Miguel Exposito joined the force in 1974 when he was just 19, and today he was named as the city's next chief of police.
The announcement was made by Mayor Tomas Regalado and City Manager Pete Hernandez during a press conference this morning outside city hall.
The buzz last night at Miami Police Union headquarters was all positive.
"Very happy," said Lt. Mario Roman with the Miami PD. "I think it'll be a breath of fresh air."
Exposito, 55, is a native of Cuba and a friend of the new mayor. He'll step in just days after Regalado was sworn in -- and Timoney stepped down.
The early word among the rank and file on Exposito is good.
"Extremely qualified, everyone's very, very happy with the decision," Sgt. Javier Ortiz said. "I think it's gonna be a good thing, I think there'll be a lot of changes within the department. Again, it's going to be new motivation, new support, and I think it's gonna just open everyone's eyes to what this department really could be."
It was no secret Regalado wanted Timoney out and the chief obliged, resigning the night before the mayor was sworn in. Police are hoping the switch brings change to the department.
"Officers are happy that we're heading in a new direction," said Armando Aguilar, Miami's Police Union President. "I think the biggest challenge is going to be changing the morale of the department."
First Published: Nov 19, 2009 7:09 AM EDT
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