Broward Sheriff Fires Second-in-Command After Meeting

Colonel Nichole Anderson, the undersheriff and second-highest ranking official, was terminated in a brief phone call after the sheriff spoke at a Pompano Beach meeting.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony abruptly fired his second-in-command, Colonel Nichole Anderson, shortly after a Pompano Beach city meeting where the sheriff discussed terminating 200 employees during his 7-year tenure. Anderson, a 30-year BSO veteran and the first African American woman to reach such a high rank in the department, was let go in a brief phone call after the sheriff left the meeting.

Why it matters

The firing comes as the sheriff negotiates a new contract with Pompano Beach, which is considering breaking away from BSO due to rising costs. The termination of a high-ranking, long-serving officer raises questions about the sheriff's leadership and the stability of the department.

The details

According to the report, Sheriff Tony said in the Pompano Beach meeting that he has terminated 200 employees during his time as sheriff. Immediately after the meeting, he called Colonel Anderson and fired her. Anderson, who has been with BSO for 30 years, said she could not discuss what happened as she goes through the work separation process. The sheriff later issued a statement saying the firing was part of a 'restructuring' of the department's executive command staff.

  • On February 26, 2026, Sheriff Gregory Tony fired Colonel Nichole Anderson, his undersheriff and second-in-command.
  • The firing occurred shortly after the sheriff spoke at a Pompano Beach city meeting.

The players

Gregory Tony

The sheriff of Broward County, Florida, who has been in office for 7 years and has terminated 200 employees during his tenure.

Nichole Anderson

The former undersheriff and second-in-command of the Broward Sheriff's Office, a 30-year veteran of the department and the first African American woman to reach such a high rank.

Pompano Beach

A city in Broward County, Florida that is considering breaking away from the Broward Sheriff's Office due to rising contract costs.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever you decide, we will support this city until the last day.”

— Gregory Tony, Sheriff (cbsnews.com)

“For 42 days, I have replayed kick after kick after kick. When I close my eyes, I can still picture it.”

— Tamara Taylor, Mother of Jeremyah Taylor (cbsnews.com)

“Let me go through the process, and you will have justice.”

— Gregory Tony, Sheriff (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.