A Brevard County corrections deputy lost her job within hours of her second drunk driving arrest in less than a decade, marking a swift response from Sheriff Wayne Ivey to what he previously called unacceptable behavior from law enforcement personnel.

Deputy Terminated After Refusing Sobriety Test

Brittany Rowland, 37, faced immediate termination on September 7 following her arrest by Maitland police on DUI charges. The incident began around 2:30 a.m. when officers discovered her black Chevrolet Equinox stopped in the grass in front of a synagogue. When approached by an officer who had drawn his service weapon, Rowland initially drove away at 25 mph before eventually stopping. She refused to submit to DUI testing despite showing signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and a strong smell of alcohol, according to police records.

During the encounter, Rowland made comments referencing her position in law enforcement and how the arrest would affect her chances of obtaining a canine position. Officer Brandon Rosa noted in his affidavit that she said something along the lines of asking why he would do this to one of his own, referring to fellow sworn personnel. Orange County records show she also faces charges of resisting an officer without violence. She posted $1,000 bond and was released.

Pattern of Misconduct Frustrates Sheriff

This marked Rowland’s second DUI arrest since joining the department. In April 2018, she was arrested following a drunk driving accident in Titusville. That incident occurred during a troubling period when multiple off-duty Brevard County deputies crashed their personal vehicles, prompting Sheriff Ivey to hold a press conference addressing the problem. At the time, he called the arrested deputies, including Rowland, knuckleheads and emphasized that law enforcement officers witness daily the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse.

The sheriff’s 2018 statement highlighted the contradiction of officers who know better still making wrong choices. His decision to terminate Rowland within hours of her latest arrest demonstrates his commitment to accountability and maintaining public trust in his department. The swift action sends a clear message about the standards expected of those who wear the badge, regardless of whether they are on or off duty.

What This Means

Law enforcement agencies across the nation face increasing scrutiny over officer conduct, both on and off duty. Sheriff Ivey’s immediate response to Rowland’s second DUI arrest reflects the reality that officers are held to higher standards than ordinary citizens. The case raises questions about rehabilitation opportunities versus zero-tolerance policies for repeat offenders within law enforcement ranks. For Rowland, the termination means the end of her corrections career and potential legal consequences as she faces three criminal charges in Orange County court.