Officer Nickerline Montina’s recognition as the North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Year” for 2022 highlights the bravery and dedication embodied by those who wear the Miami Police Department Uniform. A six-year veteran assigned to the Day Shift Uniform Patrol Section, Officer Montina’s commitment to her duty goes beyond the standard call of service. She is also a member of the North Miami Police Honor Guard and is training to become a Traffic Homicide Investigator, showcasing her multifaceted contribution to the department and the community. Her award specifically acknowledges her courage in protecting North Miami, a quality defined as the mental and moral fortitude to face danger and difficulty, despite personal risk.
The incident that brought Officer Montina’s valor to the forefront occurred during an alarm call at 685 NE 126 ST. Upon arriving at the scene, she heard gunshots nearby. Locating the source, Officer Montina saw a man armed with an AR-15 style rifle firing towards an apartment building. Immediately recognizing the severity of the situation, she radioed in an active shooter alert. Without hesitation, and embodying the spirit of service represented by the Miami Police Department uniform, Officer Montina moved towards the armed individual who was still actively discharging his weapon.
As Officer Montina approached, the subject dropped his weapon and fled. He then quickly turned back, retrieved the rifle, and re-armed himself. Officer Montina continued to relay updates over the radio while establishing a perimeter to contain the dangerous individual. Soon after, the subject was found hiding near a residence and was apprehended. He was subsequently charged with multiple felonies including Discharging a Firearm in Public and Shooting/Throwing a Deadly Missile into a Dwelling/Vehicle. Investigators found numerous spent casings and the AR-15 style weapon at the scene. Remarkably, due to the swift actions of Officer Montina, no injuries were reported from this dangerous incident.
Beyond this act of heroism, Officer Montina consistently embodies the North Miami Police Department’s motto, “Making a Positive Impact.” Whether on patrol in her Miami Police Department uniform or off-duty, she proactively seeks opportunities to assist. Officer Montina regularly volunteers for additional shifts in both the Communications Department and the Uniform Patrol Section, addressing personnel shortages and ensuring smooth operation. Furthermore, she serves as the Assistant Coach for the P.A.L. of North Miami Buccaneers, mentoring police cadets in basketball fundamentals alongside Head Coach Officer E. Carter, further extending her positive influence into the community’s youth.
Officer Nickerline Montina’s selection as both “Officer of the Month” for June 2022 and “Officer of the Year” for 2022 is a testament to her unwavering courage, dedication, and commitment to the North Miami community. Her actions exemplify the values and responsibilities inherent in wearing the Miami Police Department uniform, serving as an inspiration within the department and to the public she serves.
