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Margate Officials, Firefighters Divided Over Proposal to Merge Fire Department With BSO

by David Volz August 13, 2025

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Margate Fire fighters cheer as union leaders speak in favor of mering with BSO during a workshop at Margate City Hall. {David Volz}

Should the Margate Fire Department merge with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) or continue operating as a city service?

Members of the Margate Fire administration and the union that represents the firefighters adamantly want to become part of BSO. During an August 12 workshop meeting, many firefighters attended and voiced strong support for merging with BSO.

Brian Palmer, the union representative for the firefighters, spoke passionately about the need for the merger. He told the commission that because Margate does not provide the higher salaries and career advancement opportunities that BSO offers, many firefighters will seek positions in other agencies, and the city will be unable to recruit and retain firefighters.

Margate Fire Chief Roberto Lorenzo told the commission he recommended merging with BSO. A significant reason is that a regional organization like BSO can offer more resources in case of a large fire or emergency. If most of the city’s vehicles and personnel are involved with a major fire or incident, BSO can provide more backup. A regional agency can provide more comprehensive service and better coordination.

BSO offers higher salaries, a more comprehensive benefit package, and greater opportunities for promotions. Margate is competing for the best applicants, and top candidates seek departments that provide the best salaries and advancement opportunities, according to Lorenzo.

Not everyone on the Margate commission bought the pitch. Mayor Arlene Schwartz stated that while she supports the firefighters, she does not trust Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and believes that BSO will eventually charge higher rates or terminate the relationship quickly. She cited Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach as cities experiencing problems with the BSO and Tony’s leadership.

Margate Fire Fighter cheer in favor of merging with BSO during a workshop meeting on August 12

Margate Firefighters at the August 12 meeting. {David Volz}

Commissioner Joanne Simone also spoke adamantly about maintaining the fire department’s independence and does not believe in Tony’s leadership, saying he would not be willing to negotiate with city leadership once the merger is complete.

Vice Mayor Antonio Arserio offered strong support for the merger, stating that BSO could provide far better service than a smaller department because it is a regional agency. He believes that the current Margate firefighters will leave the city if the merger does not happen.

Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano is also a supporter of the merger and believes that because BSO is larger and has more resources, it will provide better firefighting and paramedic services.

The issue became heated when Commissioner Anthony Caggiano questioned Ruzzano. Caggiano said he strongly supports the Margate firefighters but does not trust Tony’s leadership and believes the BSO will eventually charge far more once it becomes established in Margate.

At this time, no further meetings have been scheduled.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.