NEW POLICE CHIEF SWORN IN

On Monday, November 13, 2023, dual ceremonies were held in South Miami at the Area Stage Company black box theatre at Sunset Place: The Annual State of the City presented by Mayor Javier Fernandez and the Swearing-In of South Miami’s new police chief, Reo Hatfield III by city manager Genaro “Chip” Iglesias.

Mayor Fernandez spoke of the many exciting developments in the city: the redevelopment of the Winn-Dixie site, the prospect of significant development on the Sunset Place site, and the potential redevelopment of the city hall campus. He acknowledged the work of the commission members in addressing the elderly, entrepreneurship, homeless, and parks, respectively being addressed by Vice Mayor Lisa Bonich, Comm. Steve Calle, Comm. Brian Corey and long-term Commissioner Josh Liebman. He commended the collegiality in working together to advance the agenda for the residents and business owners in South Miami.

City manager “Chip” Iglesias administers the oath of office to Reo Hatfield

Fulfilling a personal long-term goal to serve as a police chief in south Florida, Chief of Police Reo Hatfield comes to the city of South Miami with over 26 years’ experience with the Virginia Beach Police Department where he served as Deputy Chief of the Administrative Division since 1997. Additionally, he served in a variety of assignments including the support division, the investigative division, community policing. Hatfield was Commanding Officer of Special Investigations Bureau, Commanding Officer of the Third Precinct, Community Policing Commander, Tactical Commander, Executive Aide to the Police Chief, and SWAT Team Leader.

Upon Chief Rene Landa’s announced retirement, a national search was conducted. Forty-five individuals submitted their credentials. The list was narrowed down to three, with the offer being given to Hatfield. Virginia Beach’s police department has 1000 officers. In South Miami, Hatfield will oversee 50 officers.

Photos by AllStarPhotography.com

18 year-old Reo Hatfield IV proudly pins the chief’s badge on his dad’s chest.

Chief Hatfield holds a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University, a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Saint Leo University, and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia. Additionally, he is a graduate of the 263rd Session of the FBI National Academy,

Senior Management Institute for Police (PERF), Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, United States Naval War College-Command & Staff, and the Joint Forces Staff College – Joint & Combined Warfighting School.

For twenty years has been a commanding officer in the Naval Criminal Investigations Service of the U.S. Navy Reserve and also served as corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1992 to 1996. His combined Marine Corps and Navy Reserve military service includes three combat tours in the three separate theaters of operation.