When most of us think of a hero, we imagine someone in a cape. In Miramar, that hero wears a badge. Officer Damían Castellanos of the Miramar Police Department has quietly built a reputation as someone who saves lives, literally. In less than 18 months, his quick thinking and specialized training have helped save more than a dozen people in our community. His exceptional services was recently highlighted in a special report on WSVN TV.
Officer Castellanos joined the department with a passion for protecting others, but his impact has gone far beyond ordinary police work. Trained in advanced life-saving techniques, he has been first on the scene at critical moments, from administering CPR to reviving individuals suffering from overdoses. Each time, he relied on his training, calm presence, and deep care for others to step in when seconds mattered most.
“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” Castellanos says humbly. “I just want to be there for people on what might be the hardest day of their lives. If I can give someone another chance, that’s what this job is about.”
Castellanos first honed his skills as a lifesaver while serving in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman. Corpsmen are the front-line medical personnel attached to Navy and Marine Corps units.
His colleagues describe him as dedicated, steady, and deeply compassionate. Fellow officers note that his focus is always on the human being in front of him, not just the emergency at hand. That personal touch has earned him gratitude from the families he has helped, as well as recognition from city leaders.
Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne recently praised Castellanos’ extraordinary service, noting that “his actions remind us of the heart behind the badge. He shows us what it means to protect and serve.”
In a world that can feel uncertain, stories like Officer Castellanos’ shine a light on the very best of Miramar. His humility, courage, and commitment remind us that heroes don’t just live in comic books — they live right here among us.
