Deerfield Beach to begin process of establishing police, fire departments after ending discussions with BSO

In a late night vote on Tuesday, the Deerfield Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to begin the process of forming their own police and fire departments.

This ended a difficult six months of discussions with the Broward Sheriff's Office over a new contract.

The commission "rejected" a recent proposal by Sheriff Gregory Tony for a two-year deal and a promise to to pay for a new independent study.

On the costs of forming independent agencies, the move for independence isn't without criticism as some fear that public safety will suffer.

On Tuesday, several residents expressed concern for what it will mean for response time and the experience of first responders.

CBS Miami spoke with the Cardonas about their view of the Broward Sheriff's Office ahead of a crucial city commission vote on the future of police and fire services.

"You feel their presence and are secure," said Francisco Cardona.

The Cardonas credit the Broward Sheriff's Office with keeping the area safe and say they do not want that to change.

"The problem is you don't know what establishing your own force would mean versus what you already have," said Susan Cardona.

Contract fight stretches into new year

That uncertainty has been central to Sheriff Gregory Tony's dispute with the city, which began last summer when Deerfield Beach said the cost of a new contract for police and fire services was too high. Tony pushed back, saying he needed more money in part for higher wages.

But at a city commission meeting in early January, Tony struck a more conciliatory tone.

"In 2025, we were at war. We both fired missiles. Today, we can't have that," Tony said.

At that meeting, he offered the city a two-year contract and agreed to pay for a new cost study on Deerfield Beach, which would form its own city-run police and fire services.

Late last year an independent study determined it would save Deerfield beach - $8 million a year. 

Robin Markarian, who has lived in Deerfield Beach for 11 years, said she has been considering the change ever since a Broward Sheriff's Office representitive talked about it at her HOA meeting. 

She said she's skeptical about the savings.

"I don't think anything will go down and I don't want to chance taxes will go up" she said.

Union urged large turnout before vote

The choice now lies with the city commission. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, BSO union chief Dan Rakofsky sent a letter to rank‑and‑file members urging a large turnout.

"If Deerfield goes its own way, it will have a net negative effect on all of us," the letter said.