After more than two decades under the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Broward County is exploring the possibility of directly managing its own fire rescue service and may also study replacing BSO in airport and port policing roles.
Since 2003, BSO has operated the county’s fire departments—including the former Broward County Fire Rescue as well as the airport and port fire units—under the name Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. Now, county commissioners are considering hiring a consulting firm to assess the feasibility of bringing fire and emergency medical services back under county management. A vote to approve the study was scheduled for Tuesday.
Commissioner Lamar Fisher, who sponsored the proposal, said the move could offer cost savings while ensuring public safety.
“It is time to really look at the detail of what it would look like to bring them back to Broward County,” Fisher said. “I think it is cost savings number one, but obviously public safety is number one to the board itself, and we want to make sure that we provide the best safety to our residents and our visitors here in Broward County.”
Fisher added that Sheriff Gregory Tony has received funding for pay raises, hiring, new resources, and equipment, prompting the county to explore more cost-effective ways to deliver services.
“By bringing [fire rescue] back, we have full control and full transparency to the constituents that we serve,” Fisher said.
Airport and Port Policing Also Under Review
The agenda item also calls for a study on the feasibility of establishing county-run police departments at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, both currently policed by BSO. Fisher emphasized that any new agency would provide the “same coverage, the same police opportunities, the same comfort” as BSO.
Commissioners stressed that Tuesday’s vote would not immediately replace firefighting or policing services, but simply authorize a study of the potential transition.
A BSO spokesperson defended the agency’s record, stating:
“For more than 22 years, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue has been a cornerstone of public safety in Broward County by saving lives, easing suffering, and protecting property. Through high-quality fire and emergency services, crews respond 24/7 to protect residents and visitors across Broward County when it matters the most.”
