Bal Harbour Police Chief Miguel De La Rosa died Saturday after a battle with cancer, according to a news release. He was 49 years old.
“We are incredibly and deeply saddened by the loss of such a dedicated public servant who spent his entire life protecting others,” Gabriel Groisman, Mayor of Bal Harbour Village, said in a statement.
De La Rosa’s police career in South Florida spanned 30 years, the release said. He began police work in the City of Hialeah, where he rose to the command rank of major. He went on to serve with the Village of Key Biscayne Police Department, taking his experience in special investigations and support services with him.
He was appointed Bal Harbour police chief in September 2017 after serving as acting chief in August 2016. He was sworn into office by his identical twin brother, Macos - who serves as the fire chief for Coral Gables.
Marcos De La Rosa sent a message on Twitter saying he was "broken hearted" in saying goodbye to his "twin, best friend and hero."
“The Village of Bal Harbour will do everything it can to support his family and honor this remarkable man, father, and colleague,” said Village Manager Jorge Gonzalez. “We will tread in the bold footsteps of professional policing that he laid down.”
De La Rosa is remembered as a strong advocate for community policing and for holding a “passion for public safety.” He is survived by his wife, Jenine, and two daughters, Alexis and Sophia.
