Jan 20, 2008 10:34 am US/Eastern
Police Union Slams Mayor For Skipping Funeral
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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The police union is upset with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz for not attending the funeral of Miami Detective James Walker.
CBS4 News
Miami's chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police has fired off a scathing letter to Miami Mayor Manny Diaz for not attending the funeral of a murdered Miami police detective James Walker.
The 30-year old detective was shot to death in his car earlier this month in North Miami Beach. Hundreds turned out for his memorial and funeral service January 12th in Miami Gardens including Miami Police Chief John Timoney and Miami Gardens Police Chief Matthew Boyd.
''Detective Walker made the ultimate sacrifice by dying in the line of duty while trying to protect others,'' the letter said. ``This act of total disrespect will never be forgiven.''
Diaz told
CBS4 news partners at the Miami Herald that he attended Walker's viewing the night before the funeral and spoke with the grieving officer's family. He said he doesn't understand nor appreciate the criticism lodged in the FOP's letter.
"I don't think it's up to [FOP's] judgment on how I should mourn. That's my way, it's a personal thing and, more importantly, a family thing,'' Diaz told the Miami Herald.
When asked by the paper what he was doing on the day of the funeral, Diaz replied: ``I honestly do not recall.''
This is not the first run in between the FOP and the mayor. In 2006, FOP members rallied in front of City Hall to condemn the department's pension plan which they claimed was substandard. Three weeks later they picketed the opening of the then-Carnival Center for higher pay. Last year, they gave a vote of no confidence to Timoney, who was appointed police chief by Diaz.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
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