A legacy of service

Officer Moore believes positive change begins with you, and your actions speak volumes. He has worked at the Miami-Dade Corrections Department for more than 30 years and has ensured his actions keep the community safe and prevent those in jail from returning.

"Working with the incarcerated provides an incredible opportunity to serve the community," Moore said. "We are protecting citizens and potentially helping, not just detaining, those in jail."

Moore was born in Miami and lived in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He moved back here with his grandparents as a teenager. He feels connected to his neighborhood and is very familiar with the area and its needs.

"My first eighteen years on the job, I worked in the mental ward," Moore explained. "As it happens, I worked alongside one of my junior high school friends. Together, we were part of a strong team. We received training and support from the medical staff that enabled us to turn many negative situations around with positive results."

"Fortunately, I have been in the right place at the right time too. Twice, while on the job, I helped prevent an inmate from committing suicide. Once, I was leaving work and about to enter the expressway, I noticed an inmate running from the courthouse. I detained the inmate and prevented their escape."

Officer Moore has stayed focused and on course through all these experiences. His time in the military and his martial arts training have made him disciplined.

"While stationed in South Korea with the Army, I was a student of Taekwondo and competed in many tournaments. I also enjoyed competitive boxing and other sports," Moore added. "I actually wanted to work in the airlines and started as a helicopter mechanic before coming to Corrections."

"Possibly, it's my family's legacy of service that led me here. My mother retired from UM Jackson. She was there while I was assigned at the Dade County jail, just minutes away. My father retired from the Federal Government," Moore said. "Their example certainly motivates and grounds my sense of purpose. My grandparents also taught me to be fair. That is important in my line of work."

Officer Moore is a devoted single dad raising a son with special needs. Off the job, he enjoys learning new things and dabbles in the internet market. He exercises to stay fit and confesses to listening to 80s techno music.

"Inmates need to know there is a better way of life and believe they have the power to turn their lives around. I am committed to helping them change course and take control of their future. It's all part of a day's work," Moore concluded.