Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Chiefs Express Confidence in Leadership

By Villij News Staff

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue chief officers have publicly expressed confidence in Sheriff Gregory Tony as a dispute continues over the future of the county’s fire rescue services. The statement of support, acknowledged by Tony on October 6, follows a September 22 vote by Broward County commissioners to return the department to county control when its current agreement with the Sheriff’s Office expires in 2028. The decision marks a significant change for an agency that has operated under the Broward Sheriff’s Office since 2003.

Fire rescue chiefs voice support for Tony

In an October 6 announcement, the Broward Sheriff’s Office published Tony’s response to a statement of confidence from veteran Fire Rescue chief officers. In their October 6 statement, the chief officers described the benefits of operating Fire Rescue alongside law enforcement and emergency management under a unified public safety organization. They also acknowledged that decisions about the department’s governance ultimately rest with elected officials, explaining that their purpose was to share their operational experience rather than challenge that authority.

Tony thanked the chiefs for expressing support and defended the department’s leadership during the ongoing disagreement with county officials. The sheriff also criticized the process behind the county’s decision, saying Fire Rescue personnel had not been consulted before commissioners voted to change the department’s oversight.

He argued that the professionals responsible for delivering emergency services should have a voice in decisions affecting the department’s future. The chiefs’ statement represents an expression of support from participating senior officers. It should not be interpreted as a department-wide vote or evidence that every Fire Rescue employee shares the same position.

County plans to take control after 2028

On September 22, the Broward County Commission voted unanimously to begin transitioning fire rescue operations away from the Sheriff’s Office. The county plans to allow its current agreement with BSO to expire on September 30, 2028, rather than renew it for another five years. According to Broward County’s official commission records, the question of renewing the agreement was scheduled for discussion and direction at the September 22 meeting.

Commissioner Lamar Fisher supported returning the department to county oversight, saying the change could provide greater control over operations and help manage costs. The transition would affect approximately 900 employees and emergency services provided through county and municipal agreements, including operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

County officials have said they intend to maintain fire rescue services during the transition. Specific arrangements involving staffing, contracts and operations will need to be addressed as the process moves forward.

Different views on the department’s future

County commissioners and Sheriff Tony have offered sharply different assessments of the decision. County officials have emphasized financial oversight and direct responsibility for fire rescue operations. Tony has defended the department’s existing structure and warned against disrupting a public safety system developed over more than two decades.

Their disagreement has unfolded alongside a separate dispute over the Sheriff’s Office budget. On October 5, Tony announced that he was suspending discretionary budget negotiations with county commissioners, citing an active state investigation involving county government. He said BSO would continue meeting its legally required budget responsibilities.

County commissioners have denied wrongdoing and challenged the sheriff’s handling of budget discussions. The chiefs’ October 6 statement adds another perspective to the disagreement, but does not change the County Commission’s September decision.

What happens next?

Broward County must work through the administrative and operational steps necessary for the planned transition before the current agreement expires. For residents, the process raises questions about the future administration of emergency medical services, firefighting operations, personnel and public safety resources.

The public can review the Sheriff’s Office statement and follow the Broward County Commission’s official records for additional information as the transition develops. The central issue moving forward is how county leaders and Fire Rescue personnel will manage the organizational changes while maintaining emergency services for the communities they serve.