With more than 890 dedicated professionals, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) stands as one of the most comprehensive and skilled fire rescue organizations in the state. Our team provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and critical public safety education to residents in eight Broward County municipalities, including unincorporated areas. We also proudly protect two of the region’s most vital transportation hubs: the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades. In addition to emergency management preparedness, our specialized regional support assets ensure we are ready to respond to the most complex emergencies.
Every day, BSO’s FRES delivers high-quality, full-service fire and rescue support to residents and visitors of Broward County. Operating from 25 fire stations, BSO FRES responded to more than 60,000 countywide emergency incidents in FY 2024/2025. Supporting these efforts is BSO FR Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Staffed by highly skilled dual-certified firefighter paramedics, these Advanced Life Support companies carry a full complement of equipment and medications to deliver effective EMS support during critical calls for service.
FRES Regional Support Services encompasses highly specialized resources supporting all of Broward County, including Air Rescue, the Technical Rescue Team and the Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Team. BSO’s Air Rescue helicopter, Air Rescue 85 (AR85), treats and transports critically injured and severely ill patients within and beyond Broward County, from the Florida Keys to Orlando. These specially trained professionals are experts in advanced airway interventions and whole blood administration, ensuring patients receive lifesaving care when minutes matter most. BSO was the first in Florida to offer this groundbreaking program, delivering whole blood in the field, giving trauma patients a greater chance at survival. Since its launch in 2020, BSO has averaged an approximate 80% survival rate for whole blood patients, making BSO a leader in pre-hospital trauma care.
BSO’s Technical Rescue Team (TRT) responds to extreme rescue situations, including building collapses and emergency shoring operations. TRT members must possess operational and technical certifications, participate in extensive training and demonstrate exceptional proficiency in special rescue operations. In addition, the BSO FRES also operates a Type 1 Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Team, the highest designation recognized by the State of Florida. These teams are designed to handle the most complex, large-scale incidents involving high-hazard or unknown materials. Equipped with the most sophisticated hazardous materials detection and response system available, BSO’s HAZMAT team has been instrumental in major disaster responses.
Preventing emergencies before they occur is equally important. The Fire Prevention Bureau provides essential fire and life safety services by enforcing adopted fire and life safety codes through inspections, public education and community outreach. BSO’s Fire and Life Safety Educators deliver valuable programs to the community that include various aspects of life safety, including hands-only CPR, child safety seat installations and inspections, bleeding control and safe driving initiatives. In 2025, more than 40,000 residents participated in these educational workshops, building safer, more informed communities throughout Broward County.
Our organization’s commitment extends to every aspect of fire rescue and public safety. BSO FRES also oversees the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), whose focus is to strengthen the organization’s overall preparedness through planning, readiness operations, training, outreach and administration. In 2025, OEM facilitated and participated in hands-on, real-world exercises addressing infectious diseases, hurricanes, radiological emergencies and aviation incidents with hospitals, schools and local government partners. OEM personnel were also deployed to New Mexico for flood response and to Taylor County, Florida, following Hurricane Helene, providing direct assistance to communities in need.
Across the county and beyond, BSO’s FRES remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and deliver exceptional service during every call. From routine emergencies to the most complex disasters, our experienced and dedicated team stands prepared and ready to serve.
Visit sheriff.org to learn more about BSO, our Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services or opportunities to join our team.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
