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.”
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Sky’s the Limit 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
