A New Jersey arbitrator has ordered Broward Sheriff Deputy Christopher Krickovich back to active duty complete with no loss in seniority and back pay. In December 2019, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony terminated Krickovich following an April 2019 incident at a McDonald’s restaurant in Tamarac. Tony made the move after video of an arrest following an illegal protest in the McDonald’s went viral.

In a 2019 press release, Tony admitted a BSO review process “recommended that Deputy Krickovich be exonerated.” Tony disregarded the BSO review and terminated Krickovich.

“When my deputies do the right thing, I will always support them and have their back. But I will not stand idly by while anyone violates his or her sworn duty to protect. Even a singular incident of excessive force by one of our deputies creates distrust between the community and our organization, and that is something I will not allow. We are holding ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Therefore, I have decided to terminate Deputy Krickovich for his actions in the Tamarac case,” Sheriff Tony said.

Tony said, “it would be an injustice to our community to let these actions stand without an adequate response.” Last week, an arbitrator disagreed. The arbitrator found the was “no just cause” to terminate Krickovich.

BSO was ordered to reinstate Krickovich complete with seniority, back pay and benefits.