A Miami-Dade police officer known for stopping a potential disaster at Miami International Airport will now always be known for helping other offices prepare to protect the facility.
On October 29, 2013, Officer Mario Gutierrez prevented a man from setting fire to a gas station across from the runways and terminals.
Gutierrez activated the station’s emergency shut-off valve.He ended up in a fight with the accused would-be arsonist and was seriously injured.
Today the Miami-Dade Police Department Airport District gymnasium was renamed in honor of Gutierrez.
Last year he was one of 13 law enforcement officers nationwide to receive the Medal of Valor.