Demonstrators back deputy
Protesters say Thurston should be reinstated
Supporters of Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Thurston protest in front of sheriff’s office headquarters Thursday. The agency is Thurston’s post on social media saying the Broward Sheriff ’s Office needs more black people in key departments.
Dozens of demonstrators protested outside Broward Sheriff’s Office’s headquarters near Fort Lauderdale on Thursday in support of a deputy being investigated for going on social media to criticize the record on racial diversity.
Deputy Ronald Thurston is a politically active Democrat who took to Facebook to list the number of black employees in various divisions at the Sheriff’s Office and followed it with the message “Vote or die.” His supporters say Sheriff Gregory Tony put him on desk duty because Thurston does not support Tony’s election.
The Sheriff’s Office has said agency’s
Thurston was placed on desk duty because the post may have violated the agency’s social media policy.
But Tony’s campaign countered that the demonstration was orchestrated by people on the political payroll of former Sheriff Scott Israel, one of Tony’s opponents in the Democratic primary that will be held in August. Tony is Broward’s first black sheriff.
Israel, who was removed from office in January 2019 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, did show up at the demonstration for a few minutes and left without addressing the crowd.
Organizers distanced themselves from him and other political candidates who attempted to display political campaign signs.
“People came here with signs and we had them removed,” said Terry Scott, one of the organizers. “This event is about our support for Ron Thurston. … Ron is just what the appointed sheriff is not — a familyoriented man who is a respected leader in our community.”
Demonstrators carried signs calling on voters to “Vote Tony out” and alleging “he is not a Democrat.” Most wore shirts that said “Reinstate Deputy Ron Thurston” on the front. On the back, “The people won’t be silenced” and “Black votes matter.”
Thurston is president of the Greater Pompano Beach Democratic Club and a cousin of State Senator Perry Thurston.
Records show Scott received $5,000 in consulting fees in 2019 and another $7,500 this year from the Committee for a Stronger Broward, Israel’s political action committee. Scott acknowledged the payments Thursday. “I do consult Scott Israel. But this is not about Scott Israel. This is about our support for Ron
Thurston.”
Scott, also a Broward Democratic party activist, said he has known Thurston for two decades. “If Tony’s campaign thinks this demonstration is about Scott Israel, they really don’t understand the issue.”
Attorney Johnny McCray, who is representing Ron Thurston in his dispute with the Sheriff’s Office, said his client was being unfairly disciplined.
“I’ve been to forums where either the sheriff or one of his representatives talked about what a terrific job they were doing when it comes to diversity,” McCray said.
Thurston “was within his rights, off duty, to share the other side of the story.”
As drivers of passing cars honked their approval for the demonstrators, Scott acknowledged the possibility that his gathering was mistaken for an anti-police brutality rally.
“That may be,” he said. “But I promise you this — they know we are out here standing for justice.”