The dedicated professionals of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) serve our community in countless ways, often behind the scenes and without recognition. This year, BSO personnel and divisions received honors from organizations throughout South Florida, across the nation and globally. These awards are more than accolades. They are recognition for the standard we hold ourselves to – Excellence in Service. Our standard has resulted in better preparation, faster response, advanced capabilities, effective investigations, transparent operations and a safer Broward County. Learn more about some of the accolades we’ve earned this year.
- Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council Medal of Valor – 24 BSO first responders were recognized for extraordinary actions under pressure in the line of duty, including deputies who saved a man suffering life-threatening injuries and BSO Fire Rescue personnel who revived a 3-year-old drowning victim using advanced lifesaving measures.
- Florida Sheriffs Association Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Detective Robert Pence located and apprehended armed escapees and rescued a kidnapped hostage, demonstrating the importance of training, experience and decisive action.
- 2026 Vertical Aviation International Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award – Deputy Nicholas Romano was honored for advancing drone operations which help locate missing persons and suspects.
- Teledyne FLIR Vision Award – BSO Aviation earned third place for using thermal imaging in critical public safety operations.
- Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition Officer of the Year – Detective Mike Joo was recognized for his impactful work combating human trafficking.
- International Homicide Investigators Association Award and U.S. Department of Justice Attorney’s General’s Award – Detective Andrew Gianino was recognized for exceptional investigative expertise, helping bring justice and closure to victims and their families.
- Caring Hands Award – Members of Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue from Hallandale Beach were honored for rapidly intervening to help save a critically injured young adult.
- Tom Gallagher Memorial Public Safety Award – Regional Communications Operator III Sandra Bailey received this honor from the Broward County Commission recognizing her vital role in connecting residents in crisis with emergency assistance.
- United Way Broward Community Trailblazer Award – Executive Director David Scharf was recognized for expanding mental health access, awareness and support resources throughout the county.
- Telly Awards – BSO’s Community Affairs Division and Public Information Office earned five Telly Awards for sharing important public safety messages, including campaigns raising awareness of domestic violence prevention.
- 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award and Accreditation for Quality Public Procurement Departments Award – BSO’s Purchasing Bureau earned these honors from the National Procurement Institute for responsible purchasing and accountability in managing public resources.
- Officer Wellness Award – BSO was recognized by Destination Zero, an initiative of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, for the agency’s comprehensive health and wellness programs supporting personnel through fitness, nutrition, behavioral health, peer support and resiliency.
Recognition is never the reason we serve. These accomplishments, however, are a meaningful reflection of the standards our men and women are committed to upholding each day in service to you. The impact of their work is evident in the lives saved, the crimes prevented, the crisis supported, the call answered and the story told.
For more information about BSO’s commitment to excellence in public safety, visit https://www.sheriff.org/sherifftony.
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.
