Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office removes three top commanders in staff shakeup
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has removed three top-ranking deputies from its command staff.
The sheriff’s office on Tuesday did not immediately give the reason for the staff shakeup, but released a statement Monday night saying: “Effective law enforcement requires ongoing assessment and adjustments and adjustments to enhance our mission and meet evolving demands.”
The agency identified the deputies, all with the rank of assistant sheriff, as Eric Garcia, Shawn Browne and Brian Rafky. Garcia and Browne are leaving the sheriff’s office, and Rafky is staying on with a lower rank, said Detective Luis Sierra, an agency spokesman.
“The individuals affected by these changes have served this agency and our community and we thank them for their dedication and years of service,” the statement continues.
This is the first major staff realignment since Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz became the first elected leader of the newly formed sheriff’s office. The law-enforcement agency transitioned from a police department to a sheriff’s office in January 2025, following a 2018 referendum that mandated the head of all Florida county police departments be elected.
“The Miami-Dade Sheriff recognizes that leadership changes are not only routine but also essential for the success of public safety,” the statement reads. “These transitions play a crucial role in the comprehensive transformation from a county department to a fully independent Sheriff’s Office, ensuring our commitment to excellence in service and responsiveness to the community.”
The Miami Herald is in the process of gathering the work histories for Garcia, Browne and Rafky.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published March 17, 2026 at 9:44 AM.
