Major Chiquita Thomas-Butler was born in the City of Miami and spent her younger years of life growing up in the Allapattah area. She matriculated through Miami Dade Public Schools and has earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree. Major Butler also has course work toward her Doctorate. She is a 25-year veteran of the Miami Police Department, where she has served in all sections of the department. In her advancements, she is the first African American woman to supervise Officer Survival and the first African American woman to Command the area of Coconut Grove.

Major Butler serves a secretary for the Board of Directors for the United Police Federal Credit Union where she was employed within the Police Department in 1993 as the head Bank Teller. As a board member, Major Butler oversees a budget of roughly $50 million dollars. She has experience in reading financial documents and budget programs. She has been instrumental in the financial institution’s yearly strategic planning sessions for multiple years. Major Butler played a pivotal role in the successful opening of the financial institution’s second location.

Major Butler passionately served as a trainer and supervisor, even acting as the commanding officer for 2 years during a personnel shortage. Additionally, she aided in the building of the Miami Police Training Center. Working closely with engineers, architects and other city personnel to build the firing range and defensive tactics rooms. During her assignments in the Office of the Chief, she managed community services, created the Chief’s Leadership Council, and actively worked to build positive relationship between police and community through Relational Policing. In addition, in difficult times she is also the Department’s Benefits Liaison. In this capacity, Major Butler assists the families of fallen officers with necessary paperwork, organizes funeral arrangements for on and off duty deaths and organizes the police memorial service for the agency.
Major Butler is currently assigned to the North District Station where she commands 207 sworn officers, and 19 civilians, 3 of which are commanders for the NET areas. She understands the importance of community policing and the need to serve. She believes that serving others is the price we pay for our life here on earth. Major Butler is involved in many civic organizations as well as one she created herself, “Butlers Angels”. Major Butler is a woman of faith and family. In addition, she is a loving wife, and her son is her greatest inspiration.