Former Phys-Ed Teacher Becomes Top School Cop

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Former phys-ed teacher Edwin López was sworn in Monday as the new chief of Miami-Dade County Schools Police. A graduate of Southwest Senior High, Lopez was sworn in at a ceremony at the School Board Administration Building. He becomes the first Hispanic to hold the position.

"López has worked for the District for more than 20 years starting out as a physical education teacher and then as a police officer," according to Miami-Dade school officials.

Circuit Court Judge Orlando Prescott administered the oath as Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho looked on with School Board members Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Lubby Navarro and Mari Tere Rojas.

López’ wife, Jannett, his children and parents also attended the swearing-in ceremony along with police chiefs from numerous municipalities in Miami-Dade County.

School safety has been a mounting concern, not only in Miami-Dade County but across the country since 17 students and faculty members were gunned down on Valentine's Day in Parkland, Florida.

Photo courtesy Miami-Dade County Public Schools