Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez regarding Officer Mario Gutierrez receiving the Top Cop award from the National Association of Police Officers

(MIAMI, May 12, 2014) – "We all know the saying, that ‘there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends…'  Police officers often encounter situations that call for them to be willing to lay down their lives for people they have never met.  But this is what heroes do.

"I join the National Association of Police Officers in recognizing one such hero, Miami Dade Police Officer Mario Gutierrez.

"Officer Gutierrez sustained grave bodily injury while trying to stop someone from setting fire to the underground fuel storage tanks at a gasoline station near the Miami International Airport. Had the person successfully been able to carry out this plan, the large explosion would have surely taken many lives and caused countless damage. Officer Gutierrez was able to foil this act, placing his life in danger to save the lives of many.

"Today, Officer Gutierrez has received the TOP COPS award, nominated by his fellow officers, in recognition of his bravery, and having gone beyond the call of duty in his service to our community.

"On behalf of the residents of Miami-Dade County, I offer congratulations and a heartfelt thank-you to Officer Gutierrez."