Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony announced the deaths of a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) captain and an adult female civilian following the crash of a BSFR helicopter in Pompano Beach on Monday morning. The helicopter was on its way to the scene of a four-year-old that had been hit by a car in North Lauderdale.
Around 8:41 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, the flight crew was dispatched to a medical call regarding a traffic crash with injuries in North Lauderdale. The helicopter pilot attempted to return to the Pompano Beach Airpark. The aircraft sustained an in-flight emergency and crashed into a small apartment building, east of North Dixie Highway and just south of Northeast 10th Street.
Two crew members, BSFR Pilot Daron Roche, 37, and BSFR Firefighter Paramedic Mikael “Mike” Chaguaceda, 31, managed to escape the wreckage. Roche has served with BSFR for four years, and Chaguaceda has served with BSFR for five years. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue transported the BSFR crew members and two civilians to Broward Health North hospital. According to the hospital, none of the individuals transported have life-threatening injuries and all are listed in fair condition.
BSFR Captain Terryson Jackson, 50, died in the crash. Captain Jackson served with BSFR for 19 years. An adult female who was inside the apartment at the time of the crash was pronounced deceased on scene.
“Terryson was a rock star. He was one of the best of us, one of the brightest,” Sheriff Tony said. “He bled this profession inside and out, all day long. The type of effort and commitment he had for this community — impeccable. We’re going to suffer. We’re going to hurt, but this community should know that we’re prepared to answer the next call.”
Members of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are on scene and will investigate the circumstances of the crash. In an abundance of caution, Sheriff Tony grounded BSO’s aircraft fleet until the helicopters are re-inspected.
After the incident, Sheriff Tony said in an Instagram Live that the agency has a need for new helicopters.
