Calling all friends! Hialeah police respond ‘Code Love’ for sick officer

Longtime Hialeah police spokesman Edward Rodriguez, 45, has been hospitalized since July 6 as he battles cancer.

On a lonely night last week, Rodriguez steadied his IV stand as he was summoned to the dark, third-floor window of his Baptist Hospital room.

In the parking lot, Rodriguez saw two dozen squad cars bounce red and blue lights off the faces of about 100 fist-pumping cops and friends, who trekked from Hialeah to Kendall to show their love.

“We are all here with you, brother,” Hialeah police sergeant Jose Torres told Rodriguez, via cell phone, during the surprise visit.

A former Marine, Rodriguez started his career with the Hialeah police department in 2006, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Affectionately known as “Eddie,” he is the police chief’s executive assistant and the department’s public information officer.

“Look at you guys,” Rodriguez said, amid tears. “Oh, my God, there are more people that way.”

A familiar face about South Florida, Rodriguez is well-respected in the journalism world, where he has funneled accurate and timely crime information, at all hours, based on varying needs of television, radio, and print media.

Rodriguez is also known for his charitable outreach.

“Eddie is involved with multiple organizations to include the Lions Club of Hialeah, and he is a strong supporter of the Miami Power Team Foundation which helps children who are terminally ill,” Sergeant Torres said.

A staple at community events, Torres said that Rodriguez holds a special place in his heart for kids with special needs, including those with Downs syndrome and autism.

“Eddie is an asset to our organization and is loved by all,” said Hialeah Police Chief George Fuente, who was sworn in last March as the city’s top cop. “The outpouring of support we have received is humbling and I want to thank everyone who has sent messages, prayers and well wishes.”

His wife, Diana Correa-Rodriguez, an assignment editor at Univision, remains by her husband’s side, as he fights for a complete recovery.

Rodriguez’s family thanks the community for their support and prayers.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to help with medical expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lieutenant-eddie-rodriguez

This story was originally published August 4, 2022 at 12:00 AM.