Broward County Explores Separating Fire Rescue Services From Sheriff’s Office

Broward County officials are examining the feasibility of removing fire rescue operations from the Broward Sheriff’s Office and restoring county control over the department. District 4 Commissioner Lamar Fisher is championing the proposal, which would represent a significant restructuring of how emergency services are administered in the region.

Fisher emphasized that the effort carries no criticism of Sheriff Gregory Tony’s leadership, framing the initiative instead as a strategic question about optimizing public safety infrastructure. “Times have changed, cost has changed, and also control has changed,” Fisher stated, highlighting evolving circumstances since the 2003 merger that consolidated fire rescue with the sheriff’s office.

The separation would grant the county greater authority in negotiating service contracts with municipalities and direct oversight of departmental spending. Currently, Fisher noted, county officials can allocate funds and offer recommendations but lack final say in how the sheriff manages resources. Under independent county management, administrators would maintain complete accounting and operational authority.

The proposal arrives as other Broward communities reassess their service arrangements with the sheriff’s office. Deerfield Beach voted to establish its own police and fire departments after 35 years with the sheriff, while Pompano Beach recently renewed its contract following months of deliberation. Pembroke Park terminated its police agreement with the office in 2022.

County commissioners will discuss procedural mechanisms for the separation next Thursday. Fisher plans to call for a contract termination vote in late September, with the sheriff’s office declining to comment on the matter as of publication.