A New LEAF

The cause could not have been more noble: to create an annual dedicated funding source as an economic safety net for the families of uniformed police and firefighters who lost their lives, were injured, or became disabled in the line of duty. That was the primary purpose of the inaugural luncheon of LEAF – Law Enforcement & Fire Fighter Appreciation Day – held on January 9th in the Granada Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel. With County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera as MC, an audience of local supporters and members of the City Commission listened to Police Chief Ed Hudak and Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa talk about the successes – and sacrifices – of their officers, who have collectively made Coral Gables one of the safest cities in the country. The audience also heard from Willy Bermello, founding principal of Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc. (now a Woolpert Company), who created the charity – to be administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation – and the event. “I have long admired and appreciated the incredible job done by our police officers and firefighters,” he told Coral Gables Magazine. “I thought it was high time we showed our appreciation, especially for those who have lost their lives or been severely injured for the sake of protecting us in our beloved city.”