Slain Hollywood officer was a traveler and adventurer

Lisa J. Huriash, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·2 min read

Life is not really long, the narrator says in a YouTube video posted six years ago by Yandy Chirino, the Hollywood police officer who was shot to death Sunday night.

Let’s say the average person is 30 years old, he asks, how much traveling have you done in 30 years?

Chirino is then powering through the water on a jet ski with his girlfriend “Princess Maria,” zip lining and river rafting, among other adventures, in just one of multiple videos he posted of their travels to places such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Epcot and more — even learning to fly a plane.

It was a lot of living in a tragically short time for a man who didn’t reach his 30th birthday.

Chirino, 28, was gunned down Sunday night after he responded to a call of a suspicious person. His fellow officers tried to help him and rushed him to the hospital in a squad car, but his injuries were too severe.

The police chief’s voice broke when he offered sympathy to Chirino’s family Monday.

“Your son selflessly devoted his life to law enforcement,” said Chief Chris O’Brien.

Chirino was a member of the department since 2017, after his July graduation from the Police Academy Class 308. He was recognized for the agency for his work ethic and was Officer of the Month in June 2020. The agency would not release specifics about the commendation Monday.

People who knew Chirino when he was still in training took to social media to express their sorrow.

“It’s always tough when the community loses a police officer in the line of duty,” Plantation Police Officer Joseph Mercogliano posted on Facebook. “But it hurts a lot more when it is one of your past cadets. RIP Officer Yandy Chirino [badge] #3534. The community, PA Class 308 and I will never forget you.”

Chirino was a soccer player and attended Miami Coral Park Senior High, according to an online profile, and graduated in 2011.

His social media presence reflected a young man with a big heart.

In 2014 the AXE Peace line debuted male grooming products and encouraged its followers to send in a photo of their love to #KissForPeace and the best would be featured in Manhattan on a Times Square billboard. The company tagged him twice in 2014 writing “you’re kind of a big deal” and in another: “how does it feel to be famous? Your #KissForPeace just debuted in New York City!”