MIAMI — Miami city officials announced the appointment of a new police chief on Friday ― and he’s a familiar face in South Florida.
Mayor Eileen Higgins and City Manager James Reyes announced the appointment of current Doral Police Department Chief Edwin Lopez to replace retiring Chief Manny Morales.
In a news release on Friday, Higgins described Lopez as “a homegrown leader, dedicated public servant and 28-year veteran who has spent his career serving our community with professionalism and integrity.”
In the same release, Reyes said Lopez “brings an exceptional record of leadership, a deep commitment to transparency, and a proven approach to community policing that has earned the trust of the communities where he has served.”
Lopez was appointed as chief of DPD in 2023 after serving as the chief of the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, where he rose through the ranks over more than two decades.
In a separate statement, Doral Mayor Christi Fraga called Lopez an “exceptional leader” and said “we will truly miss him here in Doral.”
“During his time in the city, he strengthened our department, supported our officers and helped build a strong foundation that positions us well for the future,” she said. “His impact will be felt long after his departure.”
She later told Local 10 News in an interview, “We’re sad to see him go but we know he’ll do great things.”
“We definitely talked to him about how we could retain him, but we understand that this is a big opportunity and something I’m sure has been a goal for his career,” Fraga said.
Lopez, meanwhile, said in part in a statement that he was “humbled by the opportunity to continue building on that legacy while working to keep the community safe and strengthen relationships” in Miami.
Miami officials said Lopez “will assume the role later this year” as Morales retires.
🏠 News From Your Neighborhood
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
