OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Former Broward Sheriff Scott Israel was named the city of Opa-locka’s police chief at a press briefing Friday.
Israel was removed from office by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis because of the Broward Sheriff’s Office response to the Parkland school shooting on Feb. 14, 2018, that left 17 people dead and 17 others injured.
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Last May, Israel was hired by the Davie Police Department as a traffic enforcement officer, which involved him reviewing the city’s five red light cameras and appearing in court if anyone challenged a ticket.
Israel tried to win back his seat in the primary, but lost to DeSantis’ appointee Gregory Tony, who replaced Israel.
Tony won his first election in November 2020 to keep serving as Broward County Sheriff.
“It is a true honor. The Bible tells us with authority comes responsibility and I look so forward to the opportunity to become one team with the citizens of Opa-locka,” Israel said during Friday’s press conference.
Israel will be overseeing a much smaller squad. The 4.1 square-mile Miami-Dade County city’s police department has 54 sworn positions and 10 civilian staff. BSO’s numbers are 5,400 sworn and support personnel, according to its website.
(This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Local 10 and Local10.com for updates.)