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…