NEAR FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) – Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Association president Jeff Bell is looking into filing a lawsuit against the Broward Sheriff’s Office for suspending him after his criticism of the department’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The dispute between Sheriff Gregory Tony and the union president erupted last week when Bell wrote a letter published by the SunSentinel criticizing Tony and his deputies for not having enough personal protection equipment and the tools needed to combat the coronavirus efficiently.
The next day, Tony responded to the op-ed by calling Bell a “rogue employee” and followed up with his suspension Friday.
According to an internal affairs memo, the department suspended Bell due to allegations of:
- Truthfulness
- Corrupt practices
- Employee statements
- Conduct unbecoming of an employee
- Discretion
Bell held a news conference Monday morning, where Eric Schwartzreich, his attorney, said they are considering an unfair labor law act as well as looking into whistleblower laws that may apply in the case.
“He’s not rogue. He’s doing his job,” Schwartzreich said. “The action that was rogue was suspending a union president. That’s the only thing that’s rogue here. What the sheriff did was to stifle free speech, violate federal whistleblowing laws, state whistleblowing laws, unfair labor practices. Jeff voices those concerns. He does his job, and he gets suspended. He got suspended with pay. It’s illegal, it’s immoral and a violation of our laws.”
The sheriff said tens of thousands of masks have been purchased and that PPEs are available as needed.
In a prior interview, Bell said he was receiving complaints as recently as last week.
“I have emails as recent as last night and this morning from sergeants telling me, ‘Jeff, I still only have three PPE kits per sergeant’s vehicle,'” Bell said last Tuesday.
Attorneys for BSO are also looking into legal action against Bell.
In a statement released Monday, Tony said, “Deputy Bell is not a victim of abuse of powers, nor was his suspension a matter of retaliation. He is a deputy of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and thereby subject to comply with all agency policy.”
The Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Association announced Monday a no confidence vote against Tony. The union’s 1,400 members will begin voting on the measure Tuesday. The vote will continue through April 20.
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