Officer Edgar Malave joined the Nonahood five short years ago to continue his life of honor and service. A Marine since 1992 and a member of law enforcement for over 20 years, Officer Malave has brought great pride and accomplishment to our region. His commitment to each community he’s ever been in is proof of a good guy, a public servant, a hero.
Originally hailing from Puerto Rico, the 46-year-old veteran spent his youth in Massachusetts and moved to North Carolina when he joined the Marine Corps in 1992. After his four-year enlistment, Officer Malave came to the Sunshine State, where he was a corrections officer for one year and then went on to work as a Florida state trooper for three years. He has held a multitude of positions within his current organization, the Orlando Police Department, where he has served for the last two decades. “On Sept. 25 of this year, I will reach my 20-year anniversary with the OPD,” Officer Malave shared with me, beaming with pride.
To say the officer is a man of many talents is an understatement. Throughout his time at the Orlando Police Department, Officer Malave has found himself in roles such as a patrol officer, a detective with the gang intervention unit, a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division, and even on the back of a bicycle in the Parramore Heritage Unit. Finally, the decorated officer has come to his favorite role as the District 1 Police Liaison. “I’ve made hundreds of friends,” he said.
A treasured memory of his career in law enforcement perfectly epitomizes his dedication to bettering the lives of our community. While working as a missing persons detective, Officer Malave received a call from a gentleman looking for his missing father, who was an accomplished college professor who suffered from mental health issues and had begun to distance himself from loved ones. He had separated himself from his family and was somewhere in the streets of Orlando, homeless. Officer Malave worked tirelessly to comb through databases and search the area before finding him near International Drive several days deep into his investigation. His son and another relative flew to Florida to speak to his father immediately. Later, Officer Malave received a phone call and a heartfelt thanks from the son, who was profoundly grateful to have recovered his father. Even years after the incident, he recalls the memory with precision and fondness, and it is clear that his everyday service is propelled by meaningful acts such as this one.
Officer Malave’s life is made even better by those he loves. A husband to Shannon, who he describes as “my wife who has put up with me for the last 10 years,” he has successfully raised two children, Kassie and Kris, who are completing their education and who will, without a doubt, go on to do great things.
The Marine veteran’s connection to his city has been interrupted by COVID-19, as all of us have experienced. He misses interacting with the people of District 1 and attending local events. “It has certainly made it difficult to connect with the community in-person,” he said. One of his great joys and the motivation behind his service in the Marine Corps as well as law enforcement is his love for serving and enriching the lives of those around him.
Outside of the career he is so passionate about, Officer Malave finds joy in his hobbies. He enjoys radio-controlled cars and exploring new trails around the state – to me, the perfect combination of recreational activities!
As a prominent member of the Orlando law enforcement scene, the Marine holds one ultimate goal near and dear to his heart: “To educate as many people as possible in the likelihood of them being a victim.”
Protecting the population and enhancing their lives is distinctly expressed through Officer Edgar Malave’s career and achievements, and we are lucky to have him serving our country and our community as a Nona Hero.
Photos Courtesy of Edgar Malave
