A message from Sheriff Gregory Tony:
Heather Echaniz, a Broward Sheriff’s Office Day Jobs Developer Reports and Reintegration Division (DRRD), remembers all the ex-convicts she has helped, but one client stands out.
When she was working with the client, he was recovering from alcohol addiction and needed a job. This mission was particularly difficult because he was about to relapse. Nevertheless, Heather persisted. With her help, the client successfully battled his addiction and found suitable employment. His employer was so impressed with the quality of his work that he returned to DRRD to find additional employees.
Heather works with a diverse group of clients every day, all with different needs, strengths and challenges. With her support, she strives to lead them on the path to success. “A lot of people don’t realize how much getting a job means to these people,” Heather said. “Making a difference in their life really makes a difference in mine.”
Each year, thousands of inmates held in correctional facilities across the state return to Broward County, and nearly 62 percent commit new crimes within three years of their release.
BSO’s DRRD is working to change this statistic by providing the reintegration support needed to be successful during transition. The program is also designed to help people within the Broward County prison system reintegrate into the community. The program begins during an individual’s sentence and includes an individual case plan.
Upon release, the program focuses on removing barriers to successful reintegration and providing the support needed to restructure their lives and become self-sufficient.
The work of Heather and the rest of the DRRD division doesn’t just reduce crime; it offers hope and support to people trying to reintegrate into society and regain control of their lives.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, it is an honor to recognize Heather’s hard work. She is one of many strong, compassionate and dedicated women at BSO who lead, protect and serve this community every day. Thank you for making Broward County a better home.
Service equals reward
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Some towns in Broward like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their own police departments; however, BSO provides communication and dispatch services in the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades , Tamarac, Weston and West Broward unincorporated.
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