Department of Fire Rescue

BSO's Department of Fire Rescue originated in October 2003 when all operational and administrative responsibilities were transferred from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The department operates five battalions in 15 different locations throughout the county and includes 11 engines, 4 aerials, 1 Industrial fire truck, 3 aircraft fire-rescue crash trucks, 1 helicopter, 13 ALS transport units and a cross-staffed brush truck, chemical fire suppression truck and foam tanker.

With more than 600 professional and highly-trained operations, support and administrative personnel, the department provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and educational programs for most unincorporated areas of Broward County and to the municipalities of Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Park, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Cooper City, Lauderdale Lakes and Sea Ranch Lakes through contract agreements. Additionally, the department serves Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

Thirteen stations for fire suppression and Advanced Life Support medical rescue operate in various locations in the county, ten as engine companies and three as aerial companies. There is also an Air Rescue station located at the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Fire Rescue also administers the Hazardous Materials, Air Rescue and the Technical Rescue teams, each addressing unique and frequently complex and dangerous public safety situations. These teams operate countywide.

The Department of Fire Rescue has prepared a helpful information package for victims of fire damage. Download the After The Fire package (this is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Click here for a description of how medical information about you is used and disclosed by The Department of Fire Rescue and how you may obtain this information (Notice of Privacy Practices).

Click on the links below for additional information:

Command Staff

Fire Rescue Operations

Fire Rescue Regional Services

History of Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue Explorers

Safety Alerts

Chief Joseph Lello
Fire Chief and Executive Director

Chief Joseph R. Lello was named executive director of BSO’s Department of Fire Rescue on April 12, 2006.

He began his fire rescue career in 1962 in shipboard firefighting training for the United States Navy. Upon discharge in 1966, he continued his firefighting career outside of the military ...more

Found & Forgotten

PB-333-883
White female with a homemade Playboy Bunny tattoo

Missing Persons

Eusebio Perez
Ht: 5'06"
Wt: 200 lbs.

Most Wanted

Cebert Campbell
Ht: 5'8"
Wt: 140 lbs.