FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Before the fatal crash last week, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony had warned county commissioners that a rescue helicopter needed to be replaced.
The crash in Pompano Beach killed Lurean Wheaton and Terryson Jackson, who was serving as fire rescue captain, and destroyed the helicopter.
The cause of the Broward Fire Rescue’s helicopter crash has yet to be determined.
Mayor Lamar Fisher told This Week In South Florida’s Glenna Milberg that commissioners were going to decide whether or not they were going to secure funding for one or two aircraft within a 180-day window.
Commissioners met on Thursday night and the meeting included a resolution about the tentative 2023-24 budget for Broward Fire Rescue and an appropriations item for a helicopter at $14.9 million.
The vote unanimously approved the new budget, but commissioners will need to meet once more for a final vote.
Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher said he felt confident the commission would give final approval for the funding.
“Unfortunately we lost this aircraft, it’s important we immediately replace that aircraft,” said Fisher.
Fisher said eventually the plan is to replace BSO’s entire fleet of helicopters, but for this replacement, it could come within six months.
“Talking with the sheriff, he estimated about 180 days,” said Fisher. “It was just coming off assembly, my understanding, through Airbus.”
The final vote will take place on Sept. 19.
“I see no problem whatsoever approving it September the 19th,” Fisher said.
Watch the meeting