Former Miami Police Chief John Timoney Dies At 68
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Former Miami Police Chief John Timoney has lost his battle with cancer.
Timoney, 68, had stage four lung cancer.
Never one to sit behind a desk, Timoney felt even the chief of police belonged on the streets of the city he served.
"I think his plan of riding a bicycle and meeting with the citizens really triggered community policing in the city of Miami," said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.
It's a memory many remember fondly.
"I remember seeing him on his bicycle going through the neighborhood and that's important because people could see police at work," said City of Miami Commissioner Willy Gort. "He was seen in the community a lot and that's what people say, we don't see the police officers."
Former Miami police Major Delrish Moss, who is now the police Chief in Ferguson, Missouri, expressed his loss on Twitter.
Sun goes down, gentle warmth still lingers." Chief John Timoney passed. Great man/police giant. Legacy lives. World better because he was.
— DelrishM (@Delrish_M) August 17, 2016
The Miami Police Department also expressed their sadness.
Today we mourn alongside the family of former @MiamiPD Chief John Timoney who sadly lost his battle against cancer. pic.twitter.com/5sLttmW3rB
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) August 17, 2016
Rodolfo Llanes, the Chief of the Miami Police Department, also issued a statement.
"Today our department mourns the passing of retired Miami Police Chief John F. Timoney. The contributions Chief Timoney made for the advancement of our department are only surpassed by the dedicated service he provided our community. He leaves a foundation of accountability and excellence we must continue to uphold as public servants. We will remember his legacy by honoring the same commitment he gave to all of the residents of our City."
Timoney spent seven years as Miami's top cop, from 2003 to 2010, where he received praise for reducing the murder rate and the number of police-involved shootings. For a two-year stretch during his time as chief, not a single shot was fired by a Miami police officer.
His tenure was not without controversy, however, including the free use of a luxury SUV from a local dealer and the use of force by his officers in controlling protesters during the Free Trade Area of the Americas summit.
Timoney started his law enforcement career with the New York Police Department where he spent 29 years. He then went on to become police commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department.
After leaving Miami, Timoney worked as a consultant for the Ministry of the Interior of Bahrain and the police department in Camden County, New Jersey.
Former Miami Mayor Manny A. Diaz, who hired Timoney, tweeted:
RIP my Irish brother. You were the very best! It was a privilege to know you, an honor to be your friend. #Timoney pic.twitter.com/sLsnOog48G
— Manny Diaz (@Manny_A_Diaz) August 17, 2016
