By all accounts, our homegrown Miami Springs Police Chief, Matthew Castillo, has been doing an amazing job.  The only problem is, when you do a really great job for your community, other people from bigger agencies begin to notice.

Earlier this month, the Doral Chief of Police, Edwin Lopez, announced that he was departing to take on the Chief of Police role with the City of Miami’s Police Department.  The City of Miami Police Department was hiring because their chief, Manny “Manny” Morales, is scheduled to retire in October.  That’s when the City of Doral tapped Miami Springs’ own Chief Castillo with an offer to join according to an article published by The Miami Herald.

Hometown Hero at the Helm: The Success of Police Chief Matthew Castillo

It’s always a proud moment when one of our own rises to the occasion to lead and protect the community we all cherish. Since officially taking the baton as the Miami Springs Police Chief in January 2025, Matthew Castillo has proven that homegrown leadership is exactly what our city needs to thrive.

From his days walking the halls of Springview Elementary to earning a finance degree at FIU—and playing on their inaugural football team—Chief Castillo’s roots in this city run deep. Starting his journey with the department back in 2009 as a Public Service Aide, he steadily climbed the ranks as a Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant before stepping into the role of Chief. That firsthand, ground-level experience has shaped a leadership style that is deeply connected to the residents, our local businesses, and the unique fabric of our daily life.

Castillo has been a strong advocate for the Miami Springs community and for the police department. His love and passion for our community is undeniable.  The same is true for his profession and his department.

Castillo was incredibly effective as Police Chief.  He brought back old school and new school tactics.  By old school we mean good old fashioned boots on the ground, highly visibility enforcement.  Residents noticed the dramatic increase in seeing officers enforcing traffic. Whether it was on Hook Square or on Curtiss Parkway, Castillo made their presence known.

He also advocated for his team, his department, and for this community through the aggressive use of social media.  It showed the department constantly engaging with the community from kids at schools to seniors at the adult center.  It was obvious, the Miami Springs Police Department was doing its part to improve the quality of life for residents of Miami Springs.

Great Job!

At the end of the day, Castillo has done a great job.  And who can blame him for considering being rewarded for it with an incredible opportunity to join a much bigger police department.  With it comes greater responsibilities, greater challenges, greater opportunities to grow, and a paycheck that exceeds what the City of Miami Springs can afford.

I know a select few people may think, “Oh. If Castillo leaves, he’s selling out the community for a paycheck.”  That is undeniably false.  Who could fault a man for taking advantage of an opportunity to grow within his profession, as a rising star, to not only grow as an individual, but to provide a better future for his family.

Instead, we should thank Castillo for the amazing job he’s done for our community and congratulate him for being considered for this great opportunity.  If he chooses to accept, he will be a great asset for Doral.  And Miami Springs will have a friendly neighbor in a city next door.

Next Chief

Of course.  If he does accept the new role, it’ll leave Miami Springs with the same question the City of Miami and the City of Doral faced, “Who will be the next chief of police?”  Ultimately, that decision will be made by the City Manager, J.C. Jimenez if needed.

In the meantime, Miami Springs needs to figure out what it can do to keep it’s top talent from being poached by other municipalities.

MORE LOCAL COVERAGE:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/doral/article315770162.html