Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino is laid to rest: ‘Rest in peace, brother’
To all those who knew him, Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino was an amazing man who had a zest for life and helping others.
“Regardless of who you talk to ... one thing was consistent and that is that he lived life to the fullest and he loved his job,” said Hollywood Police Chief Chris O’Brien.
The 28year-old officer, who was shot and killed while trying to apprehend an armed burglary suspect last month, was remembered Monday in a service held at FLA Live Arena (formerly the BB&T Center) in Sunrise.
Officials estimated that at least 3,000 mourners — including members of law enforcement agencies from across the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez — filled the arena as family and friends remembered Chirino.
“Yandy died a hero and doing what he loved,” said Chelsea Howell, his longtime girlfriend. “Even though he is not here with us physically, myself, his friends and his family will
live out his legacy and will continue to live like Yandy.”
The procession departed from the Vista Memorial Gardens Cemetery funeral home, 14200 NW 57th Ave. in Miami Lakes, around 9 a.m. to head to the arena for the 10 a.m. service.
Chirino’s flag-draped coffin sat at the front of the arena during the service, which was conducted in both English and Spanish.
The young officer, who had been on the force for four years, earned several commendations and was named the department’s officer of the month in June 2020. He graduated from Coral Park Senior
High and then finished his undergraduate studies at Florida International University in 2015 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
“You can shed tears because he is gone, or you can smile because he lived,” said Pastor David Rosa, leading the bilingual service for Chirino, a Cuforever
ban immigrant who became a U.S. citizen at age 10. “You can do what he would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
“I love you, brother,” said his best friend and fellow officer Henry Martinez, who was there the night Chirino died. “I know you got our six.”
In police jargon, to have someone’s “six” is to be their protector, keeping an eye for danger coming from the back.
Said Jovany Coronado, Chirino’s best friend: “He impacted every single person he came in contact with in a positive manner.”
Following the service, everyone filed outside for a full honors presentation — which included a riderless horse, the folding of the American flag, a flyover, and a last radio call.
“The men and women of Hollywood Police Department request a moment of silence as we remember the life service and sacrifice of Officer Yandy Chirino,” a dispatcher said in the radio call played on a loudspeaker.
“Rest in peace now brother, as you walk the beat on heaven’s street. We will keep your watch here.”
The procession subsequently left the arena and headed to Memorial Regional Hospital. The procession paused briefly at the hospital — where Chirino died — before making a stop in front of the Hollywood Police Department at 3250 Hollywood Blvd.
Chirino was then taken to his final resting place at Vista Memorial Gardens.
O’Brien had a message for Chirino:
“Thank you for your unwavering and brave service to the city of Hollywood. May we all live life to the fullest like you did and serve with the same courage you served with every day. May we perform our duties with your same dedication and integrity.
“We will never forget you, Yandy. Rest in peace, brother. We will take it from here.”