MIAMI – On Tuesday, December 9, 2008, dub poet Malachi Smith was awarded a Life Saving Award by Miami-Dade Police Department.
Malachi received the award for saving the life of Mr. Clinton Hamilton on January 23, 2008. Malachi responded to an emergency call reference a male choking at his residence. Upon arrival, Officer Malachi Smith observed Mr. Clinton Hamilton clutching his throat and desperately gasping for air.
Malachi did a quick assessment and determined that Mr. Clinton was in deed choking on an unknown object. Officer Smith quickly administered the Heimlich Maneuver which effectively dislodged the food that was obstructing Mr. Clinton’s airway. Mr. Clinton rapidly recovered with no injuries.
Dub Poet, Malachi Smith
The citation noted that Officer Smith’s quick response, incredible determination, and valiant efforts saved Mr. Clinton’s life. It also stated that Officer Smith is a credit to the Miami-Dade Police Department and the community he serves.
In addition to the life saving award, Malachi received a certificate of appreciation from Northside District for his professionalism, teamwork and dedication to duty to the community and the Northside District. Malachi was also recommended for a departmental award for assisting in the tactical take-down of an armed robbery suspect who had barricaded himself inside an occupied residence.
Smith has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 10 years and he works out of the Northside Station as a Field Training Oficer (FTO). Prior to migrating to the US, Malachi served the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 12 years. He left at the rank of detective corporal.
Malachi was also a founding member of the critically acclaimed Jamaican dub poetry group Poets in Unity. Malachi is a James Mitchner Fellow at the University of Miami where he studied poetry under Lorna Goodison and playwriting under Fred D’Aguiar. Malachi has recorded four albums. His latest Offering Luv Dub Fever was released this year.
