Fla. sheriff calls fire department split a ‘betrayal’ after county vote

By Rafael Olmeda
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — The County Commission’s decision to end the 25-year merger of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Broward County Fire Rescue is a “betrayal of the public’s trust” and a “disservice” to first responders, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said this week.

“It is particularly troubling that the same Commission that has refused to provide our first responders with the compensation they deserve is now prioritizing control over a proven public safety system that has served this community since 2003,” Tony said in an email responding to the commission’s unanimous decision Tuesday.

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Broward Fire Rescue has been under the administrative umbrella of the Broward Sheriff’s Office since 2003.

Tony called the separation decision “deeply disappointing, a betrayal of the public’s trust and a disservice to the men and women who have dedicated their careers to protecting this community.”

The sheriff’s relationship with the County Commission has been rocky for several years, coinciding with Tony asking for funding increases that commissioners said they could not afford. In public statements, the sheriff has decried the commission’s unwillingness to fully finance raises for deputies and emergency workers, while commissioners have questioned whether the funding increases they have approved are reaching those same employees.

Separating fire-rescue from the Sheriff’s Office is one way commissioners said they can make sure the money they allocate is spent as intended.

The commission also approved a request from Sheriff Tony to take over administration of inmate health care and maintenance services at the four county detention facilities, a request that generated some debate about whether the sheriff would be willing to part with the money allocated to his office for those responsibilities.

Commissioners Steven Geller and Michael Udine each asked how the county’s takeover of those duties would affect the budget. County Administrator Monica Cepero said she expects the 34 affected employees to remain in the Sheriff’s Office’s budget until the transition is finalized within six months.

Tony’s request passed unanimously.

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