The Miami-Dade Police Department has announced that Officer Cheryl Wiggins has been awarded the department’s Gold Medal of Valor and selected Distinguished Officer of the Month for May 1999.

Officer Wiggins has been a department member since 1983 and is assigned to the Cutler Ridge District.

On Sept. 9, 1998, Officer Wiggins responded to a the in-progress call at a residence in south Miami-Dade County. The complainant told her that the subject, armed with a shovel, was exhibiting bizarre behavior and had tried to rob him of his gold chain. As Wiggins was obtaining the information, the subject charged at her with the shovel, raising it as if attempting to strike her.

Fearing for her safety and that of the civilians who had gathered around, Wiggins drew her firearm. She told the subject he was under arrest and that he should put the shovel down. Despite the officer’s repeated commands, the subject continued his assault. As he neared her, Wiggins brought her weapon to a high-ready position. The subject still ignored Wiggins’ commands and continued to charge her. Officer Wiggins discharged her weapon, striking the subject in the torso. He later died from his injuries.

During the entire incident and the subsequent investigation, Officer Wiggins maintained a calm, professional demeanor. Civilian witnesses, investigators, and command personnel commented on the way she had handled herself following an armed encounter with a hostile subject. Her alertness and quick actions are indicative of a trained police professional. She followed established procedures and ended a situation that could have resulted in multiple deaths.