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 22 different locations throughout the county and includes 17 engines, 7 aerials, 1 Industrial fire truck, 3 aircraft fire-rescue crash trucks, 1 helicopter, 23 ALS transport units and a cross-staffed brush truck, chemical fire suppression truck and foam tanker.
With more than 700 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, Pembroke Park, Cooper City, Lauderdale Lakes, Dania Beach and Deerfield Beach through contract agreements. Additionally, the department serves Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
22 stations for fire suppression and Advanced Life Support medical rescue operate in various locations in the county, fifteen as engine companies and five 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, Everglades Rescue and the Technical Rescue teams, each addressing unique and frequently complex and dangerous public safety situations. These teams operate countywide.
To contact the Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, please cal (954) 831-8200.
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:
Chief Neal de Jesus
Fire Chief and Executive Director
View Bio
Chief Neal de Jesus was appointed to lead the Department of Fire Rescue in January of 2011. Prior to this appointment, Chief de Jesus rose through every rank within the Coral Gables Fire Rescue Department including firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, assistant chief and deputy chief before being appointed fire chief in 2000.
During his tour at Coral Gables Fire-Rescue, Chief de Jesus was instrumental in many facets of progressive growth and development for the department. He was the accreditation manager that led the department to achieve the highest Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating - the first in the state and third in the nation. He also served as peer assessor for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), another coveted credential in the fire service.
Statewide, Chief de Jesus was the Florida Division of Emergency Management Disaster Response Team chair and region coordinator and also served on the Florida Fire Marshal’s state fire curriculum review committee. As an instructor, Chief de Jesus has taught a myriad of fire science, paramedic and pre-hospital basic and advanced life support courses at Miami-Dade Community College, then Broward Community College and University of Miami Medical School’s simulation training center.
This background of strong leadership will pave the way for continued excellence and growth in the delivery of fire rescue and emergency medical services to our residents and visitors.
To contact the Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, please call (954) 831-8200.
