Kissimmee Police Department Lt. Omar Berrio works for the betterment of city residents, but recently bettered himself through the legacy of two fallen comrades.
Berrio, at the Amway Center stage in Orlando, recently received his criminal justice bachelor’s degree from Florida Technical College.
A 25-year lawman, Berrio achieved the high accomplishment after being awarded the Sergeant Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter Memorial Scholarship in February of 2018.
The scholarship was created to honor Howard and Baxter. The two officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in August 2017 by a male suspect in the McLaren Circle area.
"It was definitely something I am very proud of," said Berrio. "I was able to do it in the honor of Matt and Sam."
Berrio completed the educational journey at a paramount level, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.95 GPA. The scholarship covered all costs associated with the completion of a Bachelor’s degree.
He recalled during the graduation ceremony that there was a heartfelt memorial to honor Baxter's and Howard's "sacrifice and service they gave to the city of Kissimmee,"
Berrio said. The lieutenant was actually seated in the audience, when he was called up to the stage. Being recognized during the remembrance of his fallen comrades was an honor that will stay with him, Berrio said.
"The feeling was overwhelming," he added.
His educational accomplishment was not an easy one. He not only had to balance, work (days and nights), studies and family life, but he also contracted the coronavirus on a law enforcement call.
"It was definitely a challenge," Berrio said, adding that his determination kept pushing him forward.
He credited his professors at Florida Technical College, saying they helped him navigate the process to reach his educational goals. He also thanked the college for creating a scholarship in the name of Howard and Baxter.
Attending the college helped launch Berrio's promotion to lieutenant. One of the requirements for the advanced police position was earning an associates degree or 60 college credits, which Berrio completed in 2021.
“Since receiving the scholarship, Omar Berrio has been promoted to lieutenant and continued to protect and serve the citizens of Kissimmee with the highest level of integrity,” said Dr. James Michael Burkett, Florida Technical College president.
Berrio completed his criminal justice degree in 2021, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, couldn’t walk across the stage until July 7.
“It is without question that he has honored the memories of Sergeant Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter,” Burkett said.
The graduation attendees included Kissimmee Police Department Chief Betty Holland, Kissimmee Vice Mayor Olga Castano, Tanisha Nunn-Gary, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Gaby Ortigoni, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Katia Medina, vice president of Prospera.
Berrio now plans to seek a master's degree. In the meantime, his bachelor's degree makes him eligible to reach the rank of captain.
"That is something I am definitely striving for," Berrio said.
