Officer saves his aim for taking photos

Suarez -- named March officer of the month for unraveling a half-million-dollar embezzlement case -- doubles as a professional photographer in his spare time. His photos have appeared in a half-dozen sports magazines including Deportes, Sports Forum and College and Pro Football News Weekly.

A conscientious crimes-property detective with a personnel file full of 23 department commendations and 21 thank you letters from residents, Suarez has earned a dare-devil reputation behind the lens.

``He'll take risks when it comes to taking photos,'' said his wife Maria. ``I think it's more dangerous for him than being a cop.''

Maria winces as she recalls the family day trip her husband planned to the Everglades one summer -- during the peak of mosquito season. Maria and their two children refused to leave the car as Suarez stepped forth intrepidly, camera in hand. Within seconds, a black cloud of biting bugs descended upon him. Maria shakes her head at the memory; he chuckles.

A little closer to home in Joe Robbie Stadium, Suarez was on the receiving end of a touchdown pass to Miami Dolphin Eric Green. Green was pushed out of bounds as he caught the pass and landed on Suarez.

Green asked Suarez if he was OK. Suarez's reply: ``The camera's fine.''

While out shooting photos, Suarez said personal safety comes second to getting a good photo. And normally an enforcer of the law, Suarez sheepishly admits he has bent the rules to get a good photo.

Before enrolling in the police academy more than 12 years ago, Suarez jumped a safety railing at Metrozoo and planted his camera between cage bars to shoot a tiger close up.

``He waited until it pounced before falling back,'' recalls Lt. John Seay, a childhood chum who convinced Suarez to take photography with him in high school. ``He tripped and hurt his back, but he got a great shot.''

As a detective, Suarez's photo fascination has helped catch thieves on film as they have pillaged Hialeah homes. And when the department's ID technicians are not available, Suarez has photographed crime scenes.

But his best undercover work has come during his off-duty photography, said robbery detective Sam Fadel. Suarez has smuggled cameras into concerts to shoot performers such as Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton and the Eagles.

Chides Fadel: ``Instead of shooting bad guys, he's shooting rock stars.''