Family, Colleagues Say Goodbye To Slain Officers
MIAMI (CBS4) – The emotional memorial for two slain Miami-Dade police officers has wrapped up at the AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown Miami after several hours of somber reflection, commemoration, and even a couple of laughs.
Thousands of people packed the Arena for the memorial to Officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth who were both killed in the line of duty last Thursday while serving a warrant to a suspected killer, 22-year-old Johnny Simms. Simms was killed by another officer.
The procession will now leave the Arena and head back to Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes for a private burial. Road closures begin at the arena north on Biscayne Boulevard to I-395 west, then connect to I-95 north onto State Road 826 east to the Northwest 57th Avenue exit. The procession then will go south on Northwest 57th Avenue to the entrance of Vista Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Click here for a slideshow of photos from the procession and memorial.
CBS4 VIDEO COVERAGE OF THE SERVICE
Procession from Funeral Home To AAA
Service Begins, Honor Guard, Mayor Carlos Alvarez
Archbishop Wenski Speaks At Service
Pastor Eddie Castillo Eulogizes Fallen Officers
Magda Robaina, Lt, Jesus Ramirez
Dr Willie Golden, Capt. Guerra
Sergio Alvarez, Officer Castillo's sons
Tribute to Officer Amanda Haworth
Sgt. Laurick Inghram, Sgt. Kim Halburian, MDPD
Robert Haworth, Officer Haworth's Father
Rosie Diaz, Haworth's Son
Photo Montage
Police Director Loftus, Conclusion
One of the most emotional moments from Monday's memorial came when Castillo's oldest son, 15-year-old Anthony Castillo, was joined on stage by his mother Debbie and one of his two younger brothers, 12-year-old Michael. The family received a standing ovation by the thousands of people in the crowd. Then, Castillo's eldest son spoke to his father.
"Papi, I know you're in here, so I want to let you know that we all love you and we'll miss you and you're forever in our hearts."
Anthony, Michael and Debbie then embraced. Castillo's youngest son, 9-year-old Bryan, did not go on stage.
Haworth's father also spoke to mourners. He lovingly reminisced about his daughter. "It takes a very special person to do this job and Amanda had what it took." He went on, "Never forget what has brought us here today. As we close, we would like to thank you and celebrate a new promotion of the highest order, Amanda will accept her wings taking over a new responsibility watching over us," her father told the crowd.
In an unplanned moment, Haworth's life partner, Sgt. Rosie Diaz, addressed the crowd with Amanda's 13-year-old son Austin by her side. Diaz said she was inspired to address the crowd after seeing Castillo's family on stage.
"When this happened, it's taken some time for us to believe that it's true and each day since that terrible moment I have asked God to give me a sign. When we left the cemetery today and as we commenced the procession we saw the fire ladders, the flags, countless units and police, we started to notice that there were more civilians and they were clapping and saluting and waving they were crying and they were smiling and taking pictures," Diaz said. "I can't tell you that I want to put my feet on the ground in the morning, but on the ride here I was able to understand why Roger and Amanda put a badge and gun on every day. They did it for the good people of this community. I will pass on to all my law enforcement brothers and sisters, please put your gun and badge on and carry out their legacy every day."
Amanda's son Austin simply said, "I just want to say that I love you Mom."
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez was the keynote speaker and told the crowd of mourning officers that in the days after the shooting he'd heard countless accolades from people describing Castillo and Haworth.
"Heroes, angels, saints; these are just a few of the words that I have heard describe fallen officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth. They were all of that and more," said Alvarez. "They're bravery in the face of danger is unquestioned, they're dedication to duty is beyond reproach. They are special, not only because of the way they died, but because of how they lived."
Mayor Alvarez went on, "So much of what our public officials do go unnoticed. So many acts of bravery go unseen. Tell their story and never forget."
In speaking to the families of officers Castillo and Haworth, Mayor Alvarez said, "Miami-Dade is here for you. You are forever part of our family and this community. No amount of pride and appreciation can make the pain and sorrow we all feel here today go away. The knowledge that they did not die in vain but for the betterment of society cannot stave off the sense of loss. We remember them the best of the best for who they were and what they stood for and when we hear the words hero, angel, or saint, we pause for a second and reflect on how lucky we are to have had them in our lives protecting us and serving us. May the legacies of Officers Castillo and Haworth guide and inspire us for the years to come Thank you."
The flag-draped caskets of officers Castillo and Haworth were escorted into the memorial by the Miami-Dade Police Department Honor Guard around 12:45 p.m. as the bag piper players marched ahead.
Officer Bridget Sanchez of the Miami-Dade Police Department sang beautiful renditions of "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria" accompanied by a harp.
Chief Fred Mass of the Sunny Isles Police Department opened the memorial.
"Today, there are no colors to differentiate uniforms or agencies or even ranks. For today we stand as one. United to honor two of our police family who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
Archbishop Thomas Wenski also spoke to the emotional crowd. "Their deaths remind us of the fragility of our own lives and that they both died in the line of duty reminds us how thin that line is. That line of defense." He went on, "Today as we bid farewell to Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth we can see the difference between heroism and celebrity. They go to God as heroes and we honor their commitment, their service and their sacrifice and in honoring them we honor those in public service who continually put their lives on that line, that thin line."
When Lt. Jesus "JR" Ramirez took to the podium, he told humorous stories about his partner, Officer Castillo, and their time working together and said Castillo made family his priority.
"Family by far was his greatest love. He met Debbie when he trained her and married her five months later. 16 years later, they have been inseparable. What a strong marriage they had and she told me of conversations and how amazing it was that they could love each other more and more as time went by. I wasn't finished loving him yet, she told me. Neither was I."
Lt. Ramirez was followed by Capt. Jorge Guerra, one of the last people to talk to Officer Castillo. Guerra said Castillo's wife Debbie told him to take that fateful day off.
"But he replied, 'This is detail, it was preplanned.' I spoke to him later that morning, he said he had a warrant to serve and I wish I could have told him don't go, but knowing Roger he would have gone anyway," Guerra said. "I still expect his phone calls and it's been said that even cops need heroes. Roger you were my hero buddy."
Dr. Willie Golden, retired Miami-Dade Police lieutenant, said Roger Castillo liked comedy and enjoyed ventriloquism.
"You'd be standing there talking, but you'd hear this other voice and you'd say, 'Roger, did you hear that?' Hear what? 'Nah, it was just me,' Roger would say," Golden explained.
Golden added that even now that he's gone, he can still here those distant voices.
Miami-Dade Police Director James Loftus, both eloquent and emotional, was the final speaker.
"I will accept the weight and responsibility of this tragedy. These two angels wanted to see their sons grow and prosper. They will not. They wanted to retire and enjoy their lives with their loved ones. They will not. They wanted to fulfill their promises to their families. The kinds of promises that are the foundations of each and every one makes in our lives. They will not. So in closing, I, James Loftus promise to honor your sacrifice, honor your commitments to your families and promises to your sons, so help me God."
Director Loftus also introduced two Miami-Dade police officers, brothers Chris and Tommy Hodges whose father Thomas Hodges, a Miami Beach officer, was killed in the line of duty 30-years ago. Loftus spoke directly to the surviving sons of Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth.
"Chris was 4. Tommy was 6. Tommy carries his dad's name. Chris carries his dad's badge," Loftus said. "More importantly they carry his legacy not as cops, but of being fine young men. Folks rest easy I'm not on a recruiting drive. You have given so much and we will ask no more, but I wanted to see the tangible proof that while it may never be alright, that it can be good, it can be very, very good. I know they're compassionate for other people. They're sworn sons of the Miami-Dade Police Department and whatever your sons do, no matter where they travel or whatever job they decide to pursue, they will be sons of this department. I promise that to you."
Before the memorial started inside the arena, yellow wrist bands were handed out with the names of Castillo and Haworth and the letters "EOW" and the date January 20, 2011. "EOW" stands for "End of Watch" and Jan. 20th is the day they died in the line of duty.
The thousands of mourners; officers and civilians, loved ones and strangers, began arriving at the memorial around 9:00 a.m. They arrived to see pictures of the two slain officers' displayed outside the arena on a huge screen and the United States Honor Flag, which was flown at Ground Zero in New York, also hung from two fire department ladder trucks.
In the program handed out Monday's service, there was a note from the family.
It read: "The Castillo and Haworth Families would like to express their sincere thanks to the law enforcement community for your overwhelming support and prayers. Roger and Amanda were both proud to wear the badge and enjoyed every moment of their chosen careers. We appreciate the outpouring of assistance from all of the agencies involved and the community as a whole. Your kindness has given us the support and strength to face the most difficult time that one can possibly imagine. May God bless you and keep you safe."
