End of Watch Septerber 23, 2009

The announcement from Chief Rivero to retire made me realize that he is the last of the original Hispanics hired by the Orlando Police Department. When Rey was hired, the department was run by folks who were a product of the 60’s. Things were different then and hiring minorities was not a norm. The first one hired was March of 1971. When I was hired in 1979 being called “spic” was not an uncommon thing. I can only imagine what the 7 before me went through. During this period of time from 1970 to the beginning of 1980 only 8 Hispanic officers were hired. Amazing how far OPD has come and how things have changed in what is actually a short period of time.

When I first applied to the Orlando Police Department, Rey was an officer on the board that decided to hire me. Later Rey got me involved in working with the youth of Reeves Terrace. Thanks to his support many kids that would normally hate police came to have a different opinion of the police.

Now, not only is Rey the last of the board that hired me, he is the last of the original 7 Hispanic officers. Of the original 7, Rey served the longest and made the most rank.

Over the years I have heard the stories of the first African American officers and the first females officers and their accomplishments. So here is small bit of history that I know of the first Hispanic officers. Those of you old timers that have some of their stories please share them with the rest of us.

Ben Hernandez was hired on March 21, 1971. According to records, Ben was the first Hispanic hired by OPD. I only remember Ben as an Investigator and wondered many times what he said every time he came onto the primary channel.

Larry Herrera was hired on April 18, 1971. I will always remember Larry as a Motorman. Then as the motor Sgt. that watched out for me when I went to motors.

Armando Gonzalez was hired in 1971. Armando was always one to let you know how he felt. Eventually he went to the OCSO and I believe he is still there. I will always remember Armando as the man who came to my rescue the only time I ever put out a signal 43. I was working off duty as unit #395 at the Albertson’s on S. Orange, when I was attacked by a very big male shoplifter. As I was being thrown to the ground I hollered on the radio, “395 signal 43!”. Headquarters responded, “143 are you calling?” Armando was 143 and he told headquarters that it was me calling for help. He then hauled butt to check on me. Once he knew I was all right he went after the guy with Frank Scaletta. They chased him the wrong way on the East West and fired some shots at him. He got away but what a story.

Giovanni Rey was hired on March 21, 1976. Of all these guys I was the closest to Giovanni. We worked together on a southeast squad during the early 80’s. Yeah, he taught me much about woman. Lessons that I think have helped me stay married for so long. I miss his big stories and his big laugh. I will never forget what a good cop he was. He was so smart he could have been a Doctor or a Lawyer. But he chose to be a cop. Go figure. One of the funniest stories I like to tell was how during inspections he would start at the end of the line and as the Sgt and Lt checked gear down the line, he would walk from the end of the line to the beginning of the line. Totaling avoiding the inspection.

Eddie Piloto was hired on December 12, 1976. I guess back then you needed a sponsor. Ben Hernandez stepped up to the plate and sponsored Eddie. I never got to work with Eddie. I only remember him being in specialized units. Then he was hurt and had to retire. When I retire I hope to be more like Eddie. He and his wife are very active and successful horse trainers. Eddie also gave me a great bit of advice for retirement. He told me to “only take the positive with you, leave the negative behind.” Easy enough for me since my only negative is a behind.

Rene Sojo was hired on January 16, 1977. Rene is a good-looking man. If you don’t believe me just ask him. Thanks to his large physique and training he avoided being killed by two thugs recently. He is a big guy with the heart of a teddy bear. Rene is a funny guy who has a great love for his real friends. Recently he visited Geovanni’s grave and left the word “amigo” on the gravestone.

Then there was me, hired on October 28, 1979. Now that Rey is gone I am left without the mentors that helped me properly represent our Hispanic community. I can only hope that I was as a good a mentor to the young Hispanics of OPD as the original 7 were to me.

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It was great to have Undersheriff Rey Rivero, Orange County Sheriff Office expressed his experience as Rene’s FTO trainer. When Chief Bernal, OPD spoke about his first time working with “Rene” – saying “hey, you are one of us” – meaning you speak “Spanish.” Their stories brought laughter and tears to my eyes. I personally have never had the experience of working directly with Rene but I felt proud to be their and salute such a grand man. This Hispanic Officer “Rene Sojo” is a pioneer who has made a difference in our work and in our community.

DS Carmen Acevedo
Central Florida Chapter

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Deputy Rene Francisco Sojo

October 4, 1946 – September 23, 2009

Rene Francisco Sojo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to his loving mother and father Jose and Rosaura. He was blessed with four wonderful children, Vanessa, Mattheew, Nestor, Heather, and Lauren; three beautiful grandchildren, Courtney, Madison and Anna and his wife Cyrilla, “Cy”.

He began his adult life serving his country for 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. After entering the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves he began his career 1976 with Orlando Police Department. During his 27 years tenure with OPD he served in Patrol, The Airport, as a School Resource Officer at Colonial High School and in the Homicide Section before retiring in April 2002.

In August 2004 he decided to join the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a Court Security Deputy until he retired in July of 2009.

Rene established himself as a hardworking Police Officer and Deputy. He was highly motivated yet easy going in nature and brought a special unity to his squad members.

He is survived by his wife Cy, children Vanessa, Nestor, Heather and Lauren, and grandchildren Courtney, Madison and Anna, his brothers Robert, Jose, sister Sonia, cousin Robert and many friends, squad members and coworkers.

Rene loved and adored his family and enjoyed spending every moment with them. He will be missed by all that knew him and those whose lives he touched.