Community Involvement / Public Service

Mr. J. D. Patterson.Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

While a student at Miami Jackson Senior High School, Patterson was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating from Miami Jackson. he served in the U. S. Air Force until 1982. He began his career in law enforcement as a Police Officer in 1983. In 1984. he left his position as Police Officer but returned in 1985. to the Miami-Dade Police Department where he served as Patrol Officer Investigator. Supervisor. Manager and Command Level Officer. During his career. Mr. Patterson shared his expertise in law enforcement as a member of many Police professional organizations, his exemplary service was the catalyst for his appointment as Director of, the Miami-Dade Police Department, the position he held until this year. 2016. when he retired after serving 32 years

Mr. Patterson earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University in Human Resource Management and a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami in Public Administration.

Additionally, Mr. Patterson is a licensed Baptist Minister at Mount Sinai Baptist Church where he was licensed in 1992 and continues to serve .

Education

Mr. Eric Jenkins is a 1969 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

After graduation from Miami Jackson. Mr. Jenkins pursued his higher education at Miami-Dade Jr. College (now Miami-Dade College) and Florida Atlantic University where he majored in Art Education. He founded the Black Student Union while at Miami -Dade Jr. College. He began his career in education as a teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High School. 41 years ago.

During his tenure at Miami Jackson. he has been the founder and sponsor of several extra-curricular activities. such as. Miami Jackson Art Professionals Service Club, Miami Jackson Black History Month Art Exhibit, and the Art Professionals Award-Winning “Oldie Goldie Show.” In recognition of his outstanding artistic talent, he was invited to the Kennedy Center, Washington D. C. to exhibit 2 paintings that he painted while in the college of the God Father of Soul. the Legendary Mr. James Brown. at the opening of a documentary film on Mr. Brown’s life. Mr. Jenkins has made it a mission to exhibit his students’ artwork throughout Miami-Dade County, especially during Black History Month. With the assistance of his Art Professionals Club members. Mr. Jenkins has art on display at the campuses of Florida International University, Miami Dade College North Doral and Wolfson campuses, Stephen Clark Building, City of Miami Police Department. Villa Viscaya Gardens (Coral Gables). Fountain Bleu Hotel. Eden Rock Hotel. just to name a few.

Mr. Jenkins continues today as an art teacher at his Alma Mater, Miami Jackson Senior High School.