Gay BSO Deputy Rises Through the Ranks

While many law enforcement agencies, either implicitly or explicitly, discourage their LGBTQIA+ officers from coming out, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) encourages their members to be out and proud. The latest example of this is the promotion of Paul Auerbach to the rank of Captain. “Getting to Captain was not easy nor a short journey,” he told OutClique. “I was with BSO for 19 years before getting promoted to Captain.”

Auerbach’s long been a proactive representative of our community, which isn’t always easy in certain professions, including law enforcement. “I think BSO is very inclusive. I have been very fortunate that I haven’t run into many obstacles when it comes to my career and homophobia.”

Auerbach says others haven’t been as lucky. “I am friends with a few other Deputies who have moved here from other agencies because of the career-ending administrations they faced. As an agency, perhaps because of our progressiveness in South Florida.”

His career to captaincy wasn’t a non-stop trip. Auerbach began adulthood as a flight attendant. He spent a total of eight years with three major carriers. The jet set life was exciting, until reality stepped in. “I was in Boston at Logan airport on 9/11 waiting to board a flight home. The combination of the trauma, the aftermath of aviation life, the worry of being able to keep my job and wanting to be closer to my family made me reevaluate my long-term goals.”

The worldwide consequences of that day inspired him to make a hands-on difference. “I wanted to focus on trying to be an Air Marshal, so I needed some law enforcement experience. I started applying to several departments, but I ultimately wanted to work at the Broward Sheriff’s Office.”

Starting at BSO is hardly entry level. One of the 20 most populous counties in America and incredibly diverse, you need to be on your game from day one. It also means potential to grow. “The Sheriff’s Office provides more opportunities for advancement and growth due to its size. Promotions are offered every year and nearly all ranks. It is one of the major advantages of the agency over smaller departments.” But growth opportunities weren’t just professional. Personal growth was available too. With confidence from spending years at 30,000’ plus his own outlook, Auerbach decided to be out on his own terms. “When I started my career, I wasn’t entirely out, but I told myself I would not lie about who I was if anyone asked.”

Then one night after his shift, he and his patrol partner were looking for food and a drink. “It was 11pm on a Tuesday night. She drove us to three places she knew of, but they had all just closed so she looked at me and told me to choose a place. The only bars I knew were gay places, and so we went to the Alibi. We have been very close friends ever since.”

Since that night 17 years ago, he’s pushed himself and the department to demonstrate acceptance at all levels and founded the LGBTQ+ Liaison Committee in 2019. “It was originally started to give LGBTQ+ employees a voice in the agency. With prior administrations, myself and a few others were sought out for public relations events during Pride Month or for fundraising events that did not directly benefit the LGBTQ community itself.”

When Sheriff Gregory Tony took over the department and attended his first Stonewall Pride Festival, Auerbach and fellow committee members decided it was time to step up. “We asked for a meeting with the Sheriff to put all of our cards on the table. Since then, we have hit the ground running.” Now they have a team of about 25 employees from all divisions. Accomplishments thus far include improved gender terminology, community relations events, and working with LGBTQ+ youth.

His current assignment is working in the Youth and Neighborhood Service Unit, Juvenile Division, managing the School Resource Officer program, the BSO Explorer Unit, The Police Athletic League (PAL), and election security. “Since my unit deals directly with youth interactions, I can build relationships with other organizations like the Safe 2b Me Coalition and the GSA Network. Last year, as a direct result of my new position, BSO and Fort Lauderdale Police were able to participate in the 2022 Gender and Sexualities Summit at a local high school.”

Auerbach is also a family man. He met his partner six years ago while working security at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar on New Year’s Eve. They both have odd schedules which has helped them support each other. The promotion may actually help them spend more time with each other. “As a Captain, I can’t work extra duty shifts anymore which allows me to focus more on us and building our life together.”

They’re also ‘dog dads,’ and their names reflect Auerbach’s career. “We have two pups. The older one is almost 8 and her name is Taser. She is a boxer/pit mix. The baby is a year and a half, and his name is Kevlar. We believe he is a beagle/chihuahua. We adopted Kevlar together from a local rescue. Luckily my boyfriend liked the fact I am in law enforcement and didn’t mind the name. We have been thinking about adopting a third.”

With a partner, pups, and a career, Auerbach seems like he’s found a way to have it all. And his new position as captain means LGBTQIA+ in Broward County will not only be heard, but also listened to for years to come.