'I Won't Let You Down': Ex-Broward Sheriff Scott Israel Named New Top Cop In Opa-Locka

OPA LOCKA (CBSMiami) – Former Broward Sheriff Scott Israel has been named the new police chief of the City of Opa-Locka. The announcement was made at a Friday afternoon news conference.

The Opa Locka City manager Darvin Williams said Israel will start on Monday and will oversee 47 officers.

"It is a true honor," said Israel while making a brief statement to reporters. "I look so forward to the opportunities to becoming one team with the citizens of Opa-Locka."

WATCH Scott Israel address the media after being tapped as top cop in Opa-Locka.

After praising Williams as the "best city manager" he's ever met, Israel said, "I will work very hard, very honorably, and together with the citizens of Opa Locka. We will do great things."

Israel said he is confident he will "fit in perfectly with the citizens and the people," of Opa-Locka and feels blessed for this opportunity.

"I want to thank God for this opportunity. I won't let you down."

Israel was Broward's sheriff for six years until he was removed from office in 2019 by Gov. Ron DeSantis for his agency's response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland and the 2017 mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

DeSantis accused Israel of incompetence and "neglect of duty" in both incidents.

His most previous job after being ousted as Sheriff was a traffic infraction enforcement officer with the Davie Police Department.