Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez is officially dropping out of the race to be the county's first sheriff in nearly 60 years.
He released this statement this afternoon: "My commitment to run for sheriff has always been about public safety and continuing my life’s work to keep families safe. Earlier this year, I filed to run for sheriff to support and guide a successful transition to a sheriff’s office and ensure the mission and work ethic of the department was unchanged. That commitment and mission is stronger than ever- and while I will not be a candidate for Sheriff in 2024, I look forward to working with the Mayor and stakeholders on a successful and smooth transition that puts public safety at the forefront of every decision. I appreciate the community's well wishes and support over the past few months and will remain focused over the coming weeks on my continued recovery."
Ramirez is recovering from an apparent suicide attempt back in July.
After an alleged altercation with his wife in a Tampa hotel during a Florida Sheriff's Association's conference that led to police being called, officials say he pulled off I-75 in Hillsborough County and put a gun to his head.
Ramirez spent weeks in a Tampa hospital recovering from his injuries.
He has since returned to South Florida.