Sean Gladieux

The City of Deerfield Beach has voted to establish its own independent Police and Fire Rescue Departments, terminating its contract with the Broward Sheriff's Office. A two-year transition plan is outlined to ensure uninterrupted public safety services, focusing on recruiting top leadership, acquiring necessary equipment, and building an infrastructure that prioritizes local community needs. This strategic shift aims to create a financially sustainable, locally accountable, and deeply connected public safety model.

This comprehensive feasibility study evaluates the potential transition of the City of Deerfield Beach's fire rescue and emergency medical services from a Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) contract model to an independent municipal fire rescue department. The study provides city leadership with an assessment of long-term service delivery options, fiscal sustainability, operational performance, and capital implications, focusing on staffing, deployment models, capital investment, operating costs, and implementation planning. The primary findings indicate significant fiscal advantages to an independent department, with projected long-term cost savings, enhanced local control and accountability, and maintaining NFPA 1710 compliance.