The Broward County Board of County Commissioners presented the Medal of Valor to Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue District Chief Todd Draizin during a County Commission meeting on May 26, 2026.

The recognition honors the coordinated multi-agency effort to contain and extinguish the brush fires that burned more than 11,000 acres in the Everglades on May 10 and 11. The fires threatened Everglades Holiday Park, nearby homes and businesses, as well as environmentally sensitive areas within the Everglades.

Over the two-day incident, firefighters and equipment assigned to BSO Fire Rescue Stations 17, 21, 32, 55, 81 and 106 worked under difficult and hazardous conditions to protect life and property. Air Rescue 85 also provided aerial firefighting assistance, utilizing Bambi Bucket water drops to support containment and structure protection efforts.

Through the combined efforts of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, Florida Forest Service, City of Sunrise Fire Rescue, Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue and Town of Davie Fire Rescue, firefighters successfully contained the fires without any loss of life or damage to structures.

The Medal of Valor recognizes the dedication, leadership and teamwork demonstrated throughout the response. Chief Draizin accepted the honor on behalf of the many first responders and partner agencies whose coordinated efforts helped protect the community and preserve the natural resources of the Everglades.

The City of Weston congratulates Chief Draizin on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all the firefighters and emergency personnel who served during this significant incident.