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Deerfield Beach names transitional police and fire chiefs as city prepares to assume public safety
Summary
City public‑safety director introduced transitional fire chief Chantal Batting and transitional police chief Daniel Morghalo and outlined plans and events to facilitate the transfer of services from Broward Sheriff’s Office no later than Oct. 1, 2027.
Deerfield Beach officials introduced two transitional public‑safety chiefs May 5 as the city continues planning to assume police and fire services from the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Sean Gladio, director of the Office of Public Safety, said the city has chosen experienced leaders to guide the transitional period: Chantal Batting, who has served in the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department in operational and administrative roles, and Daniel Morghalo, who brings more than 30 years of law‑enforcement experience including time at the Miami Beach Police Department.
Gladio said both chiefs will participate in community outreach including a "meet the chiefs" event in the City Hall lobby on June 2 and additional public‑safety engagement opportunities on May 26. He described the selections as part of a deliberate transition plan intended to maintain operational readiness and continuity of service for residents.
Why it matters: The commission previously directed the city to plan a transition from BSO; the May 5 update set expectations about leadership, public outreach and staffing. Commissioners and members of the public pressed for clarity on overlap with BSO, coverage during the transition and continuity of services.
Concerns from the public: Captain Adam Hoffstein of the Broward Sheriff’s Office addressed the commission during public comment, emphasizing the human element of the transition and disputing any suggestion that BSO had reduced core services. Multiple residents and uniformed officers described staff uncertainty during the transition and urged careful planning for personnel, equipment and zone coverage.
City timeline and readiness: Gladio said the city is working with more than three dozen vendors and has commitments to supply needed equipment; he also said transition managers and consultants are engaged and the city plans to complete the transition no later than Oct. 1, 2027, with overlapping phased responsibilities prior to that date. The city attorney noted a 24‑month transition allowance in the contract and flagged the possibility of litigation, recommending a conflict‑waiver process so the city’s counsel can continue to work on the transition and engage outside counsel if necessary.
What’s next: The commission, administration and BSO will continue coordination. Public‑safety community meetings and formal agenda items are expected as staffing and operational plans are finalized.
