NICHOLAS G. NAVARRO

NAVARRO, NICHOLAS G. (NICK) , born in Jaruco, Cuba, on November 11, 1929, passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Sharron; his sons: Nick Navarro (Lorrie), John Navarro, daughter: Diana Navarro; grandchildren: Eileen Elliott, Gabrielle Navarro, Michael Navarro and Gabrielle Bently. He came to the United States at the age of 19 and immediately joined the U. S. Army where he served with the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Regiment, in the Korean Theater. He began his law enforcement career in 1958 as a patrolman in Miami later becoming a detective with the Metro-Dade Public Safety Department. He joined the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN now known as DEA) of the U. S. Treasury Department in 1960 and served in both the Miami and New York offices. In 1969, he moved to the newly created Florida Department of Law Enforcement as Supervisor of the Central Florida Region. In 1972, he was hired by Sheriff Ed Stack to create the Broward County Sheriff's Office first Organized Crime Bureau. In 1984, he resigned to run for the position of Sheriff of Broward County, to which he was elected and was in office for eight years. Under his direction, the Broward Sheriff's Office was recognized nationally by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and internationally by police and government agencies throughout the world. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Blue Lightning Strike Force for seven years, leading a strike force made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, combined in South Florida for the marine interdiction of illegal drugs. He served as past president of the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association. As a public servant, he was dedicated to the eradication of illegal drug activity which was evident in the tremendous amounts of heroin, cocaine and marijuana seized as well as the numerous vessels, vehicles and weapons, large amounts of currency and significant number of drug dealers taken off of the streets. He was a lifetime member of the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association, the Association of Retired Federal Narcotics Agents, the American College of Forensic Examiners International, Inc., and was designated as certified in Homeland Security, CHS-III. He has received many accolades for his dedication to public service including 1991 Officer of the Year of the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association, the U. S. Marshall's America's Star Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in all fields of law enforcement. He has received awards of recognition for his dedication and achievements from such other countries as Spain, Greece, Israel, Japan, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China to name a few. He was honored to be selected as the keynote speaker at the National Sheriff's Association Conference and was invited by the White House to assist in providing security for the inauguration of President-Elect George Bush in 1989. He has received hundreds of honors from local charities and organizations. He formed and was chairman of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council that raises funds for the families of law enforcement offi®MD NM¯cers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. He is a member of the Royal Knights of Cancer Research, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Mr. Navarro was approached by the producers of the television series COPS. Nick agreed to allow the filming of his deputies performing their duties. He did not like the fact that most movies and television programs put law enforcement officers in a bad light. He wanted the public to know that law enforcement officers are real people, with real families and risk their lives to make the public safe. He wanted the truth to be revealed as to how the officers live and work. COPS was one of the first reality shows. He also was an advisor for the famous movie "Scarface" and worked with Al Pacino, advising him on behaving like a real drug dealer. He was the author of the book "Cuban Cop" which outlines his exciting life in law enforcement. After he retired from law enforcement, he started Navarro Security Group, Inc.in 1992. Navarro Group provides armed and unarmed security guard services to various commercial and residential communities in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties. He and his wife worked together to build and manage the business. Nick was a very outgoing person and loved life , people and animals. He loved to travel with his wife, Sharron and enjoyed being with his many friends. He continued to advise and help anyone who would ask. He will be missed on a large scale by many people. Visitation: Sunday, October 2nd, from 5:00-9:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 301 E. Broward Boulevard. Funeral Service: Monday, October 3rd, at 11:00 am, also at First Baptist Church. Entombment will take place in Lauderdale Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, P.O. Box 350064, Ft. Lauderdale, 33335, and/or the Hospice Care of Southeast Florida Foundation, 309 S. W. 18th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33316 View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.