Officer Laurel Kayusa’s dedication to public service and animal protection makes her the perfect fit for the next feature in our Blue Honor Series.
A native of Sunrise, she holds a degree in criminal justice from Florida International University. Her first experience in law enforcement came with Hallandale Beach. During her three years with the Hallandale Beach Police Department, she worked in road patrol, assisted the department’s VIN unit, and was part of the special enforcement team.
Officer Kayusa became part of “Our Family Protecting Yours” back in 2019. She is a valuable member of our department and is currently assigned to Patrol Team 3. She is an advocate for animals and helps with our “Critters in the Creek” program, which aims to educate our community about animal-related issues, such as the importance of pet adoption.
She has two cats at home, Mako and Maui. She also has two dogs, and both have adoption stories. While on a shift in Hallandale Beach a few years ago, she found a dog lost and alone near a busy highway. She not only brought that dog to safety, she later adopted it and named the dog “Dixie,” after the roadway where she found her. She recently adopted a German Shepherd rescue and named him “Duke.”
Officer Kayusa is most proud of her family and its dedication to our country. Her grandfather was in the Marines. Her father was in the Navy. Her brother is currently serving in the Army and recently returned safely from deployment. It’s clear that duty and distinguished service have not skipped a generation in the Kayusa family.