In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Florida Technical College is sending one of Kissimmee Police Department’s finest on to school to help in his “dream job” of reaching the rank of Captain.
Tuesday, FTC’s NUC University announced KPD Lt. Omar Berrios has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at NUC University’s Online Division.
That degree will make the climb to a role as Captain or Chief, whether it’s with Kissimmee or another agency, just as vital as his earning a bachelor’s degree from NUC in 2018, when he was awarded the Sergeant Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter Memorial Scholarship, made it possible to become a lieutenant in 2020.
“I’m overwhelmed with the surprise of this,” said Berrios, who said he will be starting the program in the next month. “It’s definitely something I had on the radar, but now it’s possible.”
Barrios, who thought he was simply being recognized for being an NCU Florida Technical College alum Tuesday, has been with KPD for 24 years, working up through the ranks and working with nearly every unit.
“This is a dream come true,” he said. “I’m part of a great administration. I truly didn’t expect this. When I went into law enforcement, my goal was to reach Sergeant. After that I realized there were doors I wanted to open.”
The Bronx native said he knew since he was a kid he wanted to be a cop.
“When I lived in New York we had cops we saw every day on their beat, and I always felt safer around them,” Berrios said. “Now I get to pass that on.”
NUC Florida Technical College President Dr. James Michael Burkett said the scholarship is a reflection of the belief in what Berrios can achieve in the future.
“We’ve continued to watch you rise through the ranks and make a significant impact on your community,” Burkett said Tuesday. “This next step in your academic journey will bring you even closer to achieve your dream of becoming a police captain, or chief, and contouring to serve your community with excellence.”
Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland was also a part of Tuesday’s announcement.
“Omar always makes us proud, and I know he’ll make (NCU Florida Technical) proud as well,” she said.
Berrios said continuing to pursue education in law enforcement is a way to continue the police legacy of Howard and Baxter, who were shot to death while on duty in August 2017.
“Both Sam and Matt were my friends,” he said. “I worked alongside Sam and supervised Matt, so I’m happy I’ve been able to play a role in honoring their service.”
