Sheriff Gregory Tony. {BSO}
A Message from Sheriff Gregory Tony:
With more than 890 dedicated professionals, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) stands as one of the most comprehensive and skilled fire rescue organizations in the state. Our team provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and critical public safety education to residents in eight Broward County municipalities, including unincorporated areas. We also proudly protect two of the region’s most vital transportation hubs: the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades. Across the county, our specialized Hazardous Materials, Air Rescue and Technical Rescue Teams ensure we are ready to respond to the most complex emergencies.
Every day, BSO’s FRES delivers high-quality, full-service fire and rescue support to residents and visitors of Broward County. Fire Operations is the largest and most visible division within BSO FRES, overseeing daily fire suppression and protection efforts, emergency medical services, fire prevention activities and regional support services. Operating from 25 stations, BSO Fire Operations responded to more than 60,000 emergency incidents during fiscal year 2024/2025.
Supporting these efforts is the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, staffed by highly skilled, dual-certified firefighter-paramedics. Among them are the specialized personnel assigned to BSO’s front-line Air Rescue helicopter, Air Rescue 85 (AR85). AR85 treats and transports critically injured and severely ill patients both within and beyond Broward County, from the Florida Keys to Orlando. These professionals are experts in advanced airway interventions and whole blood administration, ensuring patients receive lifesaving care when minutes matter most.
BSO FRES continues to innovate and lead in pre-hospital trauma care through our groundbreaking Whole Blood Program. As the first organization in Florida to administer whole blood in the field, BSO is setting the standard in emergency medical care. This program eliminates delays in critical treatment by delivering whole blood at the scene or during transport, giving trauma patients a greater chance at survival. Since its launch in 2020, the program has administered whole blood to more than 350 patients and maintains a nearly 80% survival rate.
Our commitment extends to every aspect of fire rescue and public safety. BSO’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) strengthens the organization’s overall preparedness through planning, readiness operations, training, outreach and administration. In 2025, OEM facilitated and participated in hands-on, real-world exercises addressing infectious disease, hurricanes, radiological emergencies and aviation incidents with hospitals, schools and local government partners. OEM personnel were also deployed to New Mexico for flood response and to Taylor County, Florida, following Hurricane Helene, providing direct assistance to communities in need.
BSO’s FRES Special Operations team provides advanced technical rescue and hazardous materials response in support of BSO personnel and regional fire rescue partners. BSO’s Technical Rescue Team (TRT) responds to extreme rescue situations such as building collapses and emergency shoring operations. TRT members must possess operational and technical certifications, participate in extensive training and demonstrate exceptional proficiency in special rescue operations. In addition, the BSO FRES also operates a Type 1 Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Team, the highest designation recognized by the State of Florida. These teams are designed to handle the most complex, large-scale incidents involving high-hazard or unknown materials. Equipped with the most sophisticated hazardous materials detection and response system available, BSO’s HAZMAT team has been instrumental in major disaster responses, including Hurricanes Ian and Helene.
Preventing emergencies before they occur is equally important. The Fire Prevention Division provides essential fire and life safety services by enforcing adopted fire and life safety codes through inspections, public education and community outreach. The Fire and Life Safety Educators also provides programs that include hands-only CPR, infant car seat installations and inspections, bleeding control and safe driving initiatives. In 2025, more than 40,000 residents participated in these educational workshops, building safer, more informed communities throughout Broward County.
Across the county and beyond, BSO’s FRES remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and deliver exceptional service during every call. From routine emergencies to the most complex disasters, our experienced and dedicated team stands prepared and ready to serve.
Visit sheriff.org to learn more about BSO, our Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services or opportunities to join our team.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
Certain Broward cities like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their police departments; however, BSO does provide communications and dispatch services to the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston, and unincorporated West Broward.
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