Watch CBS News

Community Pitches In To Help Family Of Fallen Officer

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Austin Haworth is proud to show off his new room.

"(It's a) nice little sanctuary in here," he says.

Private companies pitched in to add on 850-square feet to the house where he lives.

The renovations come four and a half years after his mother, Amanda Haworth, was killed in the line of duty along with fellow Miami-Dade Officer Roger Castillo.

"Just standing here now, all these years later," Austin says, "it shows me how she really affected the people around her for them wanting to help us with way they did."

Haworth Room Renovation
Austin Haworth, the son of fallen Miami-Dade police officer Amanda Haworth, says he is so grateful for his new room. (Source: CBS4)

Austin is part of a big blended family. He has his police family and he lives with Amanda Haworth's former partner, Jeri Mitchell, in this Southwest Ranches home.

Mitchell is also touched by the kindness.

"These people have put their hearts and their souls into this home for us," Mitchell said. "There is so much love and warmth in this house because of them and their efforts in here."

These last few years have been tough for everyone.

Amanda Haworth was gunned down along with Castillo while serving a search a warrant on a murder suspect.

After this tragic incident, Austin moved in with Mitchell and his half-brother.

It was pretty cramped in the home for a while, but now everyone has their own space.

Austin's room includes a lot of pictures and reminders of his mom.

"I feel like she's proud of me and my whole family and she loves what we've done and continued on," said Austin. "And I don't think she could be happier."

It's a sentiment Mitchell shares.

"I know she's looking down and seeing our progress on a daily basis and see where we're at and see how the boys are growing up," Mitchell said.

Austin won't be in this new room too long, however. He's leaving for college soon. He will study criminal justice and plans to follow in his mother's footsteps into law enforcement.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.