(Le Floridien) — Florinet Derac’s recent promotion to Assistant Chief of Police marks a historic milestone for the Haitian community in Miramar. With a population of 143,072 in 2022, Miramar boasts a diverse demographic composition: 48.53% Black or African American, 36.24% White, 7.63% two or more races, 5.11% Asian, and 2.27% other races. Among the Black population, Jamaicans account for 15.4%, while Haitians represent 6%, making them the second-largest group within this demographic.
Major Florinet Derac’s promotion to Assistant Chief of Police is particularly significant as he becomes the first Haitian-American to achieve this rank in the 67-year history of the Miramar Police Department. This landmark achievement underscores his exceptional career and dedication to public service.
Florinet Derac has consistently broken new ground throughout his 19-year tenure with the Miramar Police Department. He has the distinction of being the first Haitian-American to hold several key positions: Sergeant, Captain, and Major. Notably, he is also the first Black male to earn the rank of Major in the department’s history.
Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Derac’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. He completed his high school education at Petit Séminaire Collège Saint-Martial and attended L’Institut National d’Administration, de Gestion et des Hautes Études Internationales (INAGHEI – Haiti’s State University) before relocating to Florida.
Derac began his public service career in 1993 with the Florida Department of Corrections/Dade Correctional Institution, serving as an Accountant Supervisor. He later worked as an Accountant with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services and as a Senior Investigator for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
In 2003, Derac joined the Miramar Police Department, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in law enforcement. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013, where he supervised the Road Patrol Division, Community Service Aide, and the Community Resource Unit. His exemplary performance led to his promotion to Police Captain in 2020, with responsibilities overseeing the Road Patrol Division, Field Training, Community Service Aide, and the Community Resource Unit.
Derac’s academic achievements complement his professional accomplishments. He holds an Associate degree in Arts from Miami-Dade Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida International University (FIU). His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous departmental awards, including the prestigious Miramar Police Chief’s Leadership Award in April 2017.
Florinet Derac’s ascension to Assistant Chief of Police serves as an inspiration to the Haitian community and beyond. His journey from Port-au-Prince to becoming a top-ranking officer in a major U.S. city exemplifies the impact of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to public service. As he steps into this new role, Derac continues to pave the way for future generations, embodying the values of leadership and excellence.
Congratulations to Assistant Chief Florinet Derac on this historic achievement. His promotion is a proud moment for the Haitian community in Miramar and a testament to his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and public service.
Positions Held: Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Community Resource Unit Sergeant, Patrol Captain, Major, Assistant Chief
