By MES Dispatch staff
(DEERFIELD BEACH, FL —) The Deerfield Beach City Commission voted Tuesday night to create independent police and fire departments, ending a 35-year contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office for public safety services.
The decision, approved in a 4-1 vote, comes after the city’s contract with the Sheriff’s Office expired in September and a transition period allowed officials to consider options for future coverage.
City officials cited an independent consultant’s analysis projecting potential cost savings of approximately $500 million over 20 years if Deerfield Beach operates its own police and fire services, though the firm noted actual figures could vary.
Under terms of the expired agreement, the Broward Sheriff’s Office will continue providing police and fire coverage for the city through September 2027 as the transition begins.
The vote follows months of debate between city leaders and Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, with disagreements over contract terms, leadership and public safety priorities prompting the split.