Morning school traffic is rarely considered fun -- unless it happens to be a morning when Broward Sheriff's Office Detective Matthew Gorman is on the scene.

A few days a week, Gorman directs traffic like a conductor leading a symphony outside the Master's Academy on Griffin Road in Southwest Ranches. His presence brings a sweet harmony to an otherwise stressful routine.

``Morning, friend.'' ``Have a nice day.'' ``Good to see you.'' Gorman calls out greetings with constant smiles to folks behind the wheel.

Staged smack in the middle of the busy country road, dressed in full uniform and with sweat dripping in waves from his forehead, Gorman keeps his arms in constant movement as he cheerfully guides hundreds toward a new day.

``He's like morning coffee, only better,'' said Davie resident Beth Azor.

Azor enjoys Gorman's morning cup of goodwill so much she wrote The Miami Herald to pay tribute to the deputy.

``[Gorman] is the ray of sunshine for many commuters traveling each day during schools sessions . . . I know many parents who avoid taking a less-traveled route just so we may start our day with Mr. Smiley,'' Azor wrote.

Azor's son, Mario, 5, who attends St. David Catholic School in Davie, dubbed the detective Señor Contenta.

Gorman, 59, a proud grandfather of three, said the pleasure is his.

``It makes my morning to see everyone smile and say hello,'' Gorman said. ``It's something that is reciprocal.''

And he's had 10 years on the detail, paid for by the school, to make his mark.

Hundreds of cars stop and go in four directions, according to Gorman's hand signals. A cupped hand with fingers in a flurry brings the line forward, a forceful palm at the end of an outstretched arm stops cars to wait their turn. Two thumbs up obliges patience.

People from all walks of life drive by as the sun peeks above the horizon. There's a parade of roaring motorcycles, soccer mom SUVs, pickup trucks, convertibles and sedans.

Most drivers show appreciation for Gorman's big smile and belly laughs by calling morning greetings, waving or showing thumbs up.

But in the face of all the joviality that sometimes seems more like a dance than work, Gorman takes his responsibility seriously. After all, when the 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. detail ends, Gorman goes to work investigating deadly traffic incidents as a full-time traffic homicide detective. The rest of Gorman's day is about reconstructing traffic scenes where people died or suffered critical injuries.

Gorman said he's happy for early mornings at The Master's Academy where people bring him enough smiles to last the day.

``I'm fortunate to have an out,'' he said.

At the school, a ministry of New Testament Baptist Church, Gorman is like a member of the family, said Bible studies teacher James Cleveland. Teachers, parents and students agree.

``He's been a part of ministry whether he knows it, or like it, or not,'' Cleveland said. ``He helps start every day with a smile and friendly face.''

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@