For over 50 years, Deputy Joe Williams has not only worn the badge of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) but has also become its living historian, preserving artifacts that trace the organization's evolution through the decades.
"When I started as a deputy, I was curious about the history of the streets I patrolled," Deputy Williams recalls. "So, I spent hours in libraries researching, and I started attending trade shows and auctions to collect pieces of that history."
His collection, which includes badges, patches, uniforms, hats, photographs and other significant items, serves as a rich archive of BSO's past. Today, a portion of these artifacts are proudly displayed at the BSO Research, Development and Training Center, offering current employees a valuable educational resource and a window into the organization’s rich legacy.
"It's more than just a hobby—it's a passion," Deputy Williams says. "I love this place, and through this collection, I hope to give people a sense of where we came from and the journey we've taken."
In preserving BSO's past, Deputy Williams has ensured its history continues to inform and inspire future generations.