The week long drama in North Miami came to a screeching halt this afternoon when the City issued an updated Press Release announcing that Police Chief Marc Elias has officially tendered his resignation.

Unlike Tuesday’s prematurely e̶j̶a̶c̶u̶l̶a̶t̶e̶d̶ issued Press Release, this time they really mean it.

The peeps at North Miami City Hall are even going so far as to agree to honor the Chief’s request “to keep all personal matters private.”

Well, gee, isn’t that special?

Considering that all personal matters should always remain private, I’m glad to see that City officials won’t be calling a press conference to embarrass the Chief anymore than they already have.  How freaking considerate of them!

Even though I am not a resident of North Miami, I want to thank Chief Elias for his service, and for all the hard work he did to make the North Miami Police Department one of the best in the County.  He truly does deserve a medal.

In fact, just today I received a News Release from the U.S. Department of Justice announcing the sentencing of one Robinson Calixte of Miami on identity theft charges.  The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Wilfredo Ferrer, gave a special commendation to Police Chief Marc Elias and the North Miami Police Department for their efforts in solving this case.

How sadly ironic that the Chief received this recognition on the very day he was f̶o̶r̶c̶e̶d̶ asked to turn in his resignation.

(As an aside, the U.S. Attorney also commended former North Miami Beach Police Chief Rafael P. Hernandez, Jr. and the NMB Police Department, among others.)

North Miami Police Assistant Chief Leonard Burgess has been named as Acting Chief until a permanent Chief has been appointed.  I want to congratulate Acting Chief Burgess on his well deserved appointment.

I sincerely wish Chief Marc Elias well in the future.  He will be missed.

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”