Special Agent Jose Antonio Perez

Special Agent Jose Perez's career was dedicated to public service in both the military and law enforcement. He faithfully served over 21 years in the United States armed forces with the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Army National Guard, in both the active and reserve components. Agent Perez served in various command and leadership assignments as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, a U.S. Navy intelligence officer, and as a U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant/non-commissioned officer in charge. After 9/11 he was assigned to the USS Nimitz, and deployed to the Persian Gulf for nine months. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, an Armed Forces Reserve Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Pistol and Rifle Ribbons and many letters of commendation and appreciation.

During his more than 30-year law enforcement career, Agent Perez served in the City of Miami Police Department for 26 years, retiring in 2018 as an Assistant Chief of Police. During his tenure with MPD, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Officer of the Month, Gold Life Saving Medal, Silver Life Saving Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Unit Commendation, Unit Citation, Safe Driving Award, Pistol and Shotgun Ribbons and he received more than 100 letters of commendation. Throughout his law enforcement career, he also earned the following certifications and designations: General Subjects Police Instructor, Police Firearms Instructor, Police Driving Instructor, Glock and Colt Armorer, U.S. Customs Officer cross-designated, Hostage and Crisis Intervention Team certified, FWC certified, NOAA certified, certified Scuba Diver, Parachutist, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, and Transportation Officer.

Following retirement from the City of Miami Police Department, he continued his law enforcement career, working with a number of agencies, including the Florida Department of Corrections’ Inspector General’s Office as a sworn investigator, with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as sworn officer, as acting police chief with the Village of El Portal Police Department, with Florida Department of Health as medical malpractice investigator, with the Attorney General's Office a medical fraud investigator. SA Perez began his career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in August 2021, and he was assigned to the Organized Crime and Public Integrity Squad when he paid the ultimate sacrifice.

He is survived by his loving wife, three daughters, brother, and parents.