Family of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Employee in Road-Rage Shooting Describes Him as Devoted Father and Public Servant

The family of Emilio Humberto Rodriguez, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee accused in a Halloween night road-rage shooting, is speaking out about his character as a devoted father and longtime public servant. Rodriguez, 54, has worked for Miami-Dade County for 18 years and currently serves as a fire safety supervisor with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Court records show he has no prior criminal history, which his family emphasizes when discussing his background and service to the community.

Family members describe Rodriguez as quiet, kind, and soft-spoken, always being the one helping others in both his professional and personal life. A relative who attended Rodriguez's daughter's Sweet 16 party just weeks before the incident expressed disbelief at the situation, noting that Rodriguez is the dad who shows up for everything including PTA meetings, school events, and dance rehearsals. His sister added that Rodriguez was also a devoted son who visited their mother twice weekly and every weekend, ensuring she had quality time with her grandchildren.

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, officers responded around 7:45 p.m. on October 31 to Northwest 87th Avenue and 64th Street following reports of a shooting during an apparent road-rage dispute. Investigators say Rodriguez and another driver, identified as 27-year-old Eury Cerda, exited their vehicles after a verbal exchange. Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a gun and fired, grazing Cerda's head. Cerda was treated at a local hospital and later released, while Rodriguez was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder.

During his bond hearing, Rodriguez's family joined via Zoom along with a lieutenant from the fire department to show support. His attorney argued that Rodriguez acted in self-defense after feeling threatened when the other man approached his car. Little is publicly known about Cerda, though a Change.org petition circulating online describes him as a deadbeat dad, a claim that has not been independently verified.

Rodriguez's family believes the viral headlines have painted only part of the story, noting that people see a mugshot but not the man who has been saving lives for 18 years. They describe him as a great dad who made a split-second decision because he was scared and emphasize that he is human too. To help the family during this difficult time, Rodriguez's sister has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with household expenses while he is unable to work. The family expressed gratitude for the community's compassion and prayers, emphasizing their hope that the public will remember Rodriguez's long record of service and dedication to others.