Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has named Deputy Director Juan Perez the county's next top cop.
Perez will officially take over the department on Monday. Gimenez made the announcement at Thursday's MDPD graduation ceremony.
"Truly blessed & thankful to be director," Perez tweeted after the ceremony.
Perez has served as acting director for the past few months as director J.D. Patterson has been preparing for retirement.
There's a new chief in town: @MayorGimenez appoints Juan Perez Director of MDPD. Story later on @nbc6. @MDPDmedia pic.twitter.com/kSveDfpmrw — Ari Odzer (@ariodzernbc6) January 28, 2016
Perez, a 25-year veteran officer, has the police union behind him.
"As for the director, congratulations, I know he can do a great job, if he's allowed to be a professional law enforcement officer without interference from the mayor," Miami-Dade PBA president John Rivera said.
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Gimenez chose Perez even though last year, Perez loudly demanded action to stop police layoffs. Perez was so upset he dramatically took off his badge and left it on the podium.
"I'm a very passionate guy, I carry my emotions on my sleeves, I say what I mean, I think the mayor respects that from me," Perez said. "We move forward. There'll be some times when I have to tweak things in the department but we're a real good agency, really strong."
