Introduction to the Incident
The Broward Sheriff’s Office had every right to fire a deputy accused of running away from danger at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and wasting precious time as a gunman made his way through the freshman building gunning down anyone unfortunate enough to get in his path, an independent arbitrator has ruled.
Edward Eason was an 18-year veteran of the agency in late 2018 when he was formally suspended and later fired for failing to perform his duty in an active-shooter situation. Eason appealed his firing, which was reviewed by an independent arbiter under the terms of his union’s contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Background on the Shooting
Eason was one of a handful of deputies and school employees whose inaction on Feb. 14, 2018 drew criticism and public scorn. In the case that drew the most notoriety, Deputy Scot Peterson was charged with multiple counts of child neglect for racing to the building where the shooting was taking place, then taking cover outside, later telling investigators he could not tell where the sound of the gunshots was coming from.
Peterson was acquitted of criminal wrongdoing, but he resigned and remains a defendant in the last remaining civil case related to the shooting.
Gunman Nikolas Cruz eventually pleaded guilty to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder and is serving 34 consecutive life sentences. His location in the Florida State Prison system remains a secret.
Details of Eason’s Actions
According to investigators, Eason arrived at the Parkland school campus and heard gunfire, but instead of racing toward it, he drove away. He then methodically put on his bulletproof vest and adjusted his body camera, according to investigators, while teenagers were running for their lives and pleading for emergency help.
“Deputies are trained that, in active shooter situations, their obligation is to proceed without delay toward where the shooter is located and take actions necessary to preserve lives,” arbitrator David Vaughn wrote in his decision.
“The conclusion that he failed to perform his duties is not the result of split-second decisions or the application of post-incident standards,” Vaughn said. “These were considered decisions on [Eason’s] part; and he must bear responsibility for making them.”
Arbitrator’s Decision
Vaughn stopped short of agreeing with the Broward Sheriff’s Office that Eason’s actions made him a “coward.”
“[Eason] was a seasoned, trained law enforcement professional. The Employer [BSO] had the right to expect, and Grievant [Eason] had the obligation to carry out his duties, as he had been trained,” the arbitrator’s report says.
Attorneys Alan D. Danz and Michael L. Elkins represented BSO in the arbitration process.
“Finally, there’s some level of accountability for the families forever scarred by the tragedies of February 14, 2018,” Danz said. “I’ve fought this case since 2019 not only for BSO, but to seek justice for those who continue to suffer.”
Eason was not able to be contacted for comment on Thursday.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Originally Published: September 25, 2025 at 5:48 PM EDT
Conclusion
The decision by the independent arbitrator to uphold the firing of Deputy Edward Eason by the Broward Sheriff’s Office is a significant step towards accountability for the actions of law enforcement during the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The ruling emphasizes the importance of law enforcement officers taking immediate action in active shooter situations to protect lives.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason for Deputy Edward Eason’s firing?
A: Eason was fired for failing to perform his duty in an active-shooter situation at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Q: What did the independent arbitrator rule in Eason’s case?
A: The arbitrator ruled that the Broward Sheriff’s Office had every right to fire Eason for his actions during the shooting.
Q: What were Eason’s actions during the shooting?
A: According to investigators, Eason drove away from the gunfire and then methodically put on his bulletproof vest and adjusted his body camera while teenagers were running for their lives.
Q: What is the current status of Gunman Nikolas Cruz?
A: Cruz pleaded guilty to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder and is serving 34 consecutive life sentences.
