Miami Officer Receives Honors After Saving Young Girl’s Toe Injury
A 3‑year‑old in Miami’s Little Havana suffered a severe injury on March 11 when a personal electric bike became lodged in a rotating mechanism, severing the child’s toe. The incident occurred at Riverside Park, a popular local park. Miami Police Officer Rafael Perez‑Valdivia arrived quickly and provided first‑aid, using a bandage and medical kit to wrap the affected foot. The officer’s prompt action allowed medical staff to reconstruct part of the lost digit.
After the emergency care, the boy, who had been recovering from a prior walking issue, later expressed gratitude to the officer for his assistance. Family members attended the reunion and praised Officer Perez‑Valdivia’s response.
The police department recognized the officer’s quick actions by naming him Officer of the Month for his performance during the rescue. The department confirmed that the response was coordinated with local medical facilities and that the child received timely professional care.
No additional injuries were reported, and the park remains open for public use. The incident underscores the importance of immediate medical attention following e‑bike accidents in shared recreational areas.