FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Broward Sheriff’s Office announced the death of a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) firefighter/paramedic who suffered a medical emergency while on duty Easter morning.
BSO said the emergency happened around 6:55 a.m. Sunday, April 5, inside the Palm Garage at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Deputies and fire rescue personnel responded to a medical call there and found Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Lepselter unresponsive on the ground.
BSFR transported him to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, according to BSO.
BSO said Lepselter, 54, was ending his fire watch at FLL and preparing to head to his regular shift in Weston when he was found unresponsive in the parking garage.
Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony announced the loss and said it was felt across the organization.
BSO said Lepselter served Broward County for more than 19 years. He began his fire rescue career with BSO’s Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services in January 2007.
During his career, BSO said he worked in multiple specialized divisions, including the Airport, Seaport, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), Air Rescue and the Training Division.
BSO described him as dedicated to mentoring and shaping the next generation of firefighter/paramedics through his work in the Training Division.
For Palm Beach County residents, the incident is a reminder that BSO and its fire rescue personnel operate across South Florida’s major transportation hubs, including FLL, and that on-duty medical emergencies can unfold during routine assignments.
BSO said arrangements are pending. The agency did not release additional details about the medical emergency in its announcement.
Residents who want updates can watch for information from BSO as arrangements are finalized.
