Every year, the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward funds a counter terrorism conference for the Intelligence Unit of Region 7 of the Domestic Security Task Force. These conferences are an essencial step in the coordination  of counter intelligence resources for the prevention of, and effective response to terrorist acts in South Florida.  

The Foundation recently purchased 41 dual night vision goggles for BSO SWAT. These devices will enhance the effectiveness and safety of those in the first line of defense.  

The Sheriff's Foundation recently purchased forty EXO Rappelling systems for the entire BSO SWAT Team. These individual rappelling systems provide state-of-the-art handling and have a a self-braking system for quickly giving slack, controlling and stopping a descent, and limiting the force transmitted to the user in case of a fall. The open directional point serves as a rope guide during descent, while allowing the rope to be removed to facilitate short rope ascents. EXO also includes a rope that resists wear and high temperatures, an Am'D connector with CAPTIV positioning bar, as well as a bag for transporting and attaching the system directly to the harness.

The Sheriff's Foundation recently purchased a hand-held bomb x-ray device for BSO Bomb Squad. This device would allow first responders to quickly and safely confront and contain the potential dangers of hidden explosives. 

The Sheriff's Foundation for the first time since its creation engaged the legislature in supporting its domestic defense mission. Thanks to the pro bono work of Ron Book and Rana Brown, of Ronald L. Book, P.A., the Sheriff's Foundation secured a $160,000 appropriation to purchase a much-needed Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for the Bomb Squad Team. This vehicle would allow first responders to quickly maneuver traffic and safely confront and contain the potential dangers of explosive threats. 

In July 2016 over 100 BSO personnel attended Chief Ljames' training on community relations. Chief Ljames, an internationally recognized expert on use of force issues, provides insight on the mistakes made by other jurisdictions and offers suggestions on how not to repeat those mistakes.

In addition to the purchase of new rappelling gear, the Sheriff's Foundation also funded training on the use of said equipment. Training is an integral part of any donation since the proper use of new equipment enhances the capabilities of our first responder. 

In May 2017 over 100 law enforcement personnel from 18 police departments in South Florida attended training on the use of force. This course explored the true nature of suspect provocation and officer response (action-reaction dynamics). 

The Sheriff's Foundation in partnership with BSO funded 13 monthly prescription medication free disposal events combined with free shredding events in the fiscal year 2016-2017 across Broward County to promote the safe disposal of unused, unwanted or expired medications and to safely dispose personal documents, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts and any other material that might contain sensitive information.  

The Sheriff's Foundation funded this Education & Crime Prevention program to support domestic violence survivors in Broward County. Women In Distress provides tools to domestic violence survivors including therapy, advocacy and support groups.

The Sheriff's Foundation partnered with HANDY and raised $5k for HANDY during this year's Sheriff's Cup Golf Tournament. HANDY serves more than 1,200 at-risk children through comprehensive programs that focus on education, youth development and economic self-sufficiency. 

Unity 4 Teens (U4T) is a year-round before/after-school and summer youth development program that helps youth attain academic and social success. U4T partners with six Title I, Broward County, public schools serving 620 at-risk youth, ages 9-11, underperforming academically and residing in high crime areas. The U4T program engages youth at-risk of school failure, pregnancy, substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, and marihuana), gang involvement, truancy, aggression, antisocial behavior, crime, violence, and other negative outcomes, by providing best practice preventive services, education, and case management.

The Sheriff's Foundation funded Hoot Camp Jr. for Anti-Bullying to educate small children in kindergarten about the dangers of bullying. This program features interaction between kids, Oopsey the Clown and Hooty Owl.

The Sheriff's Foundation has partnered with the Broward Education Foundation and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation to expand chess education across Broward County. Chess is a great tool for developing thinking skills and crime prevention.  Our support funded training for mentors and the showing of  the movie "Life of a King" followed by a question and answer session with Mr. Eugene Brown, the real hero behind the movie.

The Sheriff's Foundation, in collaboration with Macy's, is proud to again fund BSO Fire Rescue and Emergency Services' Just Drive Teen DUI Prevention Campaign for 2016-2017 featuring presentations by Renee Napier, of the Meagan Napier Foundation, and Eric Smallridge, the DUI driver who killed Renee's 20 year-old daughter.  In October 2016, Napier's heart-braking story touched the hearts of over 2,500 High School students in Broward County public schools and includes Meagan Napier's wrecked vehicle. Another 2,500 students will experience the presentations in May 2017. To see pictures of the events, Click Here

Video of Just Drive Presentation                       (5 minutes)

On December 13, 2016, one hundred students from across Broward County had the amazing opportunity to shop with Sheriff Israel. All deserving students were selected by their School Resource Officers (SRO's) and received a $100 gift card to spend at their pleasure. We applaud the academic and personal achievements of all the students and congratulate their SRO's for their commitment to the community they serve. The Sheriff's Foundation is proud to fund this amazing event which strengthens the bond between our youth and law enforcement. Happy Holidays! 

To see pictures of the event, Click Here

The Sheriff's Foundation for a second year sponsored the Fort Lauderdale Walk Like MADD awareness and crime prevention event. Over 2,000 attendees help raised a record $300,000 to fight drunk and distracted driving in Broward County. Congratulations to Foundation Board Members Heather Geronemus and Jim Robertson for their leadership in this event! 

In October 2016, 100 Girl Scouts attended a First Aid training session to earn their First Aid Badges. Special thanks to BSO Fire Rescue for teaching life-saving skills and for bringing their vehicles and equipment!     

To see pictures of the event, Click Here

 

First Aid Training Video (2 minutes)

In November 2016, HANDY youth, Girl Scouts, Foundation Sponsors, and Board Members attended an interactive educational  session with Captain Fernando Gajate, BSO's forensic artist.   

The Sheriff's Foundation was happy to sponsor two awards presented to outstanding fire rescue cadets at their first Awards Night. Happy to support our future First Responders!    

In May 2017 the Sheriff's Foundation recognized the great service of our BSO Dept. of Corrections deputies with a friendly bowling tournament and talent show against Dade County and Palm Beach correction officers.To see pictures of the event, Click Here

The Sheriff's Foundation Medallion is awarded by the Foundation's Board of Directors to recognize an individual's contribution to the mission of the Foundation. Renee Napier and Eric Smallridge of the Napier Foundation were recognized for their presentations to thousands of teenagers in Broward as part of the Just Drive Teen DUI Prevention Campaign.   

BSO Bomb Squad Deputies Rob Connors and Daniel Olarte were awarded the Sheriff's Foundation Medallion for conducting a Bomb Squad demonstration for 150 students as part of the Sheriff's Foundation Classroom in May 2016.    

Sgt. Natiello was recognized for his continued support to Sheriff's Foundation activities including the Shopping With The Sheriff annual event.    

The Sheriff's Foundation raised a record $100,000 at the 6th Annual Sheriff's Cup Golf Tournament. The tournament serves to strengthen camaraderie among agency employees while engaging in friendly competition all for the benefit of our crime-prevention initiatives.

To see pictures of the event, Click Here

On November 15, 2016 Sheriff Israel personally recognized the contributions of the annual sponsors of the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County. The event was hosted and underwritten by Lamborghini of Broward.

To see pictures of the event, Click Here

On December 4, 2016 eight teams battled-out at the Inaugural Paintball Tournament to benefit First Responders. Participants included corporate sponsors, HANDY youth, board members and SWAT deputies.  For more pictures of the event, click here

 

ADT, in partnership with FAU, celebrated "First Responders Day" at the FAU vs. Marshal football game on Saturday, October 8, 2016 in Boca. ADT presented a $10,000 donation to the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward and the Sheriff's Foundation of Palm Beach. This is the fourth year in a row that ADT has made contributions to both foundations at an FAU game in front of thousands of fans, and has become one of ADT's most favorite annual traditions.

 

Congratulations to board member Patrick Kerney for his generosity and outstanding service in the Sheriff's Foundation Board of Directors.