Broward County considers taking fire rescue back from BSO
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Sheriff Gregory Tony. Photo: Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Broward County Commission is looking at bringing the fire rescue department under county control after nearly 25 years under the Sheriff's Office.
Why it matters: This could impact fire rescue services in Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Park, Weston and West Park.
- The Sheriff's Office took over Broward County Fire Rescue, Port Everglades Fire Rescue and Fort-Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport Fire Rescue in 2003.
The latest: Commissioner Lamar Fisher has requested a discussion at Thursday's commission meeting about the process of returning the fire rescue department to county control.
- The current contract with BSO, which renews every five years, runs through Sept. 30, 2028.
- The county needs to provide at least one year's notice if the commission doesn't want to renew the agreement.
Catch up quick: In April, Fisher requested a study of the potential costs and benefits of the county assuming operations of fire rescue, the Sun Sentinel previously reported.
- "You have to look at the totality of public safety," Fisher said. "I don't think it was a mistake to merge with BSO when we did. But times have changed. It's worth looking at."
Between the lines: The county commission and Sheriff Gregory Tony have had a rocky relationship amid disputes over BSO's budget requests.
- The county has previously accused Tony of "financial mismanagement," saying he diverted millions from salaries to pay for expensive branding and amenities at the agency's training and wellness center.
- Similarly, the Deerfield Beach commission voted in January to end its contract with the BSO after 35 years, given the office's costly budget demands.
- Deerfield Beach will have its own fire and police departments in 2027.
The other side: In a statement to Local 10, a BSO spokesperson defended the agency's stewardship of fire rescue.
- "For more than 22 years, Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue has been a cornerstone of public safety in Broward County by saving lives, easing suffering and protecting property."