Margate reviews proposed merger of its fire department with Broward Sheriff's Office amid debate over costs and staffing

At a City Commission workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, Margate officials, firefighters and representatives from the Broward Sheriff''s Office discussed a proposed merger that would move Margate Fire Rescue under Broward Sheriff''s Office Fire Rescue (BSOFR). The meeting was informational only; no formal action or vote was taken.

Supporters of the proposal, including the local union and Margate's fire chief, said a regional model would improve staffing, training and backup response when several calls occur simultaneously. Brian Palmer, president of Local 3080's assistant district union for Margate firefighters, told commissioners, "This is about sustainability, safety, and the future of Margate," and said the majority of union members support exploring a merger. Kevin Delacour, a union vice president, urged the commission not to delay, saying the change would "fireproof" services and provide better career paths for firefighters.

Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Executive Director Timothy Keefe framed the proposal as an "evolution and synergy," saying a larger regional system offers automatic CAD run-card responses, additional float units for backfill and a broader set of administrative services such as hiring, payroll, logistics and training. Keefe told the commission, "When you put the two together, you get a Reese's peanut butter cup," arguing that the combined…