Former Miami Police Chief John Timoney, who spent seven years leading the force while receiving praise and some criticism for his work, has passed away.
Timoney had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and was being treated in Miami. He was 68. He revealed last month that he was in the hospital for treatment.
"Today our department mourns the passing of retired Miami Police Chief John F. Timoney. The contributions Chief Timoney made for the advancement of our department are only surpassed by the dedicated service he provided our community," current Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes said in a statement. "He leaves a foundation of accountability and excellence we must continue to uphold as public servants. We will remember his legacy by honoring the same commitment he gave to all of the residents of our City."
Timoney started his law enforcement career with the New York Police Department, where he spent 29 years and rose to the rank of First Deputy Commissioner. After spending four years as the Commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department, Timoney spent a year in private security before being named the chief of the Miami Police Department in 2003.
During his time in South Florida, Timoney received praise at the start of his tenure for a reduction in the murder rate and the number of police involved shootings. There would be some controversy, including the use of force by officers during the Free Trade Area of the Americas summit and his use of a luxury SUV without cost from a local dealership.
Timoney spent the past six years working as a consultant for both the country of Bahrain and the Camden County, NJ Police Department.
A viewing for Timoney is scheduled to be held on Thursday at the Vior Funeral Home in Miami from 3-10p.m.
