Miami-Dade Police Director James Loftus said Friday he has made a "blood promise" to help ease the pain of the families of two officers slain Thursday.
44-year-old Amanda Haworth and 41-year-old Roger Castillo were gunned down while serving a warrant to a dangerous fugitive, 23-year-old Johnny Simms, who opened fire as the pair were let into his mother's home along with two fellow officers.
An emotional Loftus made the pledge while meeting with Haworth's father.
"[I said] 'I want to do something to help you.' And very appropriately and very strongly, Amanda's dad looked at me and said 'bring my daughter back.' And I can't do that -- and no one can do that -- but I promise you, with the help of our community, we will do everything we can to ease the pain of these families...That is a blood promise."
Director Loftus, who lost his father as a 14-year-old, said he was especially moved by the children the two officers left behind: single mother Haworth's 15-year-old son, and Castillo's three boys, who are 9, 11, and 14.
A fund to help the families has been set up by the Dade County Police Benevolent Association. Tax-deductible contributions can be made payable to "The Dade County PBA Fund," earmarked for Officers Castillo and Haworth in the memo section, and mailed to 10680 NW 25 St., Miami, FL 33172.
Simms, a career criminal, was fatally wounded by return fire from officer Oscar Plasencia.
