The County Commission\u2019s decision to end the 25-year merger of\u00a0the Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office and Broward County Fire Rescue is a \u201cbetrayal of the public\u2019s trust\u201d and a \u201cdisservice\u201d to first responders, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d Tony said in an email responding to the commission\u2019s unanimous decision Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Broward Fire Rescue has been under the administrative umbrella of the Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office since 2003.<\/p>\n
Tony called the separation decision \u201cdeeply disappointing, a betrayal of the public\u2019s trust and a disservice to the men and women who have dedicated their careers to protecting this community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sheriff\u2019s 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\u2019s unwillingness to fully finance raises for deputies and emergency workers, while commissioners have questioned whether the funding increases they have approved<\/a> are reaching those same employees.<\/p>\n Separating fire-rescue from the Sheriff\u2019s Office\u00a0is one way commissioners said they can make sure the money they allocate is spent as intended.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Commissioners Steven Geller and Michael Udine each asked how the county\u2019s takeover of those duties would affect the budget. County Administrator Monica Cepero said she expects the 34 affected employees to remain in the Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2019s budget until the transition is finalized within six months.<\/p>\n Tony\u2019s request passed unanimously.<\/p>\n