Deerfield Beach Names Transitional Police and Fire Chiefs

The City of Deerfield Beach has selected Daniel Morgalo as transitional Police Chief and Chantal Botting as transitional Fire Chief as the city moves forward with plans to establish its own independent police and fire rescue departments.

City officials said both leaders bring decades of South Florida public safety experience and will help guide Deerfield Beach through the transition process.

“Securing the right leadership is paramount as we build the foundation for our independent police and fire rescue departments,” Mayor Todd Drosky said in a statement. “Chief Morgaloand Chief Botting are highly respected professionals who bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of South Florida public safety.”

Botting joins Deerfield Beach following a 25-year career with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, where she advanced through every operational rank and oversaw multiple administrative divisions, including EMS, Training and Support Services. She holds degrees in organizational leadership and executive management and is a graduate of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute. Officials said she is known for emphasizing communication, empathy and maintaining the human element within public safety leadership.

Morgalo brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as Assistant Chief of Operations for the Miami Beach Police Department. In that role, he oversaw citywide patrol operations, criminal investigations and specialized units.

During his career, Morgalo also served as a homicide detective, internal affairs investigator and commander of specialized response teams. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University and a master’s degree in homeland security from the Naval Postgraduate School. City officials noted he was the first member of the Miami Beach Police Department to earn that distinction.

According to the city, the appointments are intended to provide stable leadership and ensure a smooth transition as Deerfield Beach develops its independent police and fire rescue departments.