DAVIE, Fla. — Col. Nichole Anderson, who made history in 2019 as the first African American female undersheriff at the Broward Sheriff’s Office, is out of the agency’s No. 2 position as Sheriff Gregory Tony announces a leadership shake-up.
After 30 years in law enforcement, Local 10 is still working to learn why Anderson is no longer second in command.
During a promotional ceremony Thursday in Davie, Tony spoke about the significance of the undersheriff position.
“The undersheriff rank is the senior ranking promotion that one could aspire, the next level perhaps would be to earn an election from the people of this community,” Tony said. “The undersheriff position affords a tremendous amount of responsibility and burden as he is in this new role.”
The use of “he” stood out because since 2019, the agency’s second in command had been Anderson.
In 2019, Anderson said, “I am a proud member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and a lifelong resident of Broward County.”
Tony announced her appointment at the time, calling it “unprecedented.”
“Today is another unprecedented day in the history of Broward County and the history of this agency — the counsel I was provided and the recommendation that came from command staff was the decision I was going to make and the new undersheriff of this agency will be Col. Nicole Anderson,” Tony said in 2019.
Now, for reasons that remain unknown, she is out. Her biography page has been removed from the agency’s website.
Local 10 News obtained Anderson’s separation form, which states simply that her “services (were) no longer needed.”
Anderson was hired on Sept. 16, 1996. This September would have marked 30 years with BSO.
The document also states that no charges are pending against her.
“I had the great pleasure for seven years to have the undersheriff Colonel Anderson serve under my command, she did a remarkable job, setting the tone and expectations,” Tony said Thursday.
Tony announced he has appointed Col. Steve Robson to the role of undersheriff, effective immediately.
“His integrity is unquestionable and I invest in him this responsibility without any hesitation or doubt,” Tony said.
In a statement sent to Local 10 News on Wednesday, Tony said that working with his executive command staff, the move is part of the organization’s restructuring changes to improve services provided to the public.
“I’m constantly strategically thinking about what we’re doing and how we’re doing as an agency serving the residents and visitors in Broward County,” Tony wrote.
“Working with my executive command staff, I made some structural organizational changes. As part of this restructuring, Col. Steve Robson has been appointed as the Broward Sheriff’s Office new undersheriff, effective immediately,” he added.
Tony did not address how removing Anderson from the post improves the agency’s public safety services.
“I expect you all to follow him as you follow me,” Tony said.
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