One of the good guys is gone

Miami police officer Angel Calzadilla and a Bahamian police official in a photograph taken in 2005

One of the nicest cops you probably never met has passed away.

Chuck Strouse at Miami New Times writes today: "Any reporter who ever covered cops in Miami knew Angel Calzadilla. And most of us liked the guy. A lot. Now he's gone...after a long illness."

I echo that sentiment Chuck.

Angel was a likable guy. How could you not like someone who always went out of his way to say hello and who always had a smile on his face, no matter what the situation was?

Angel treated everyone the same: with respect.

In my case, he always called me "Billy Cooke." No one calls me Billy, but I let Angel get away with it.

Tributes to Angel are just now starting to show up on a forum frequented by police officers.

Angel, you will be greatly missed. A man who always had a smile on his face a man who no matter who he was walking with or talking to would take the time to wave or shake your hand, A True Gentleman. My thoughts and Prayers to the Calzadilla Family. RIP

The Miami Police Dept. released this statement today:

It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of grief that the City of Miami Police Department announces the passing of one of our family members. Early this morning, Sergeant Angel Calzadilla succumbed to his illness and drifted into an eternal sleep. He was 48 years of age. Although Angel's stay here on earth seems just a fleeting moment in time, our loving memories of him as a husband, father, superb public servant, friend, and cop's cop will live in our hearts and minds forever.

During his 22 years of dedicated service to the Miami Police Department, Angel performed honorably as a patrol officer and sergeant, hostage negotiator, Public Information Officer, and Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police. He made a difference in the lives of many who were fortunate enough to have met him.

Survived by his wife, daughter, parents, brother and a host of other family members, Angel will remain in the hearts of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement and a community who loved him as one of their own. He leaves an indelible void!

Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.