Hometown News and Views

By Judy Wilson

Former BSO Dist. 10 Chief Pete Sudler said goodbye Tuesday sprinkling his comments with heavy doses of humor about being home alone with daytime TV, and at the same time lauding his staff,  the city commission and expressing his gratitude at being  Deerfield Beach’s top cop for three years. “I am disappointed I have to leave before the vision is completed,” Sudler said.

With his family part of an appreciative audience, Sudler said his goal was to build a relationship with the community and for residents here to feel BSO provided a high level of customer service. Despite major staff reductions, Sudler said crime numbers are down here for the second year in a row. He cited the elimination of ‘pill mills’ as one of his department’s accomplishments and said this district office is “far ahead” when it comes to helping underprivileged kids with programs such as the Owl’s on Patrol and the Florida Atlantic University scholarship program. “We also have the best damn PAL [Police Athletic League] in the county,” Sudler said.

He spoke of having had  “a front row seat watching this city commission grow into the most professional in Broward County;” described City Attorney Andy Maurodis  “as the most honest attorney  (as well as the best dressed!)”  and said City Manager Burgess Hanson’s “love for this city goes under appreciated.” Mayor Peggy Noland, Sudler added, “is the hardest working mayor I have ever met.”

The former chief had words of thanks for a number of community supporters including the DART Corp.and JM Family Enterprises, both of which are major donors to local programs.

Sudler was put on notice 30 days ago by incoming Sheriff Scott Israel that he would be terminated. A protégé of former sheriff Al Lamberti, Sudler acknowledged his former chief saying Lamberti had given him “the greatest BSO command in the agency.”

Sudler’s remarks, preceded by a video reprising his career here, drew a standing ovation and prolonged applause.

The sheriff has named Capt. Robert Schnakenberg  to head the district until after the municipal election in March when he will present the new commission with three recommendations to for the permanent chief.

[Sudler’s remarks can be viewed in full at deerfield-beach.com, Jan. 18 commission meeting.]