On May 11th, at 7:45pm, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office held a solemn service to honor all the fallen deputies, sheriffs, K-9’s, and officers from sister agencies, who died while serving our community. The families of the fallen were provided with front row seats for the service, and other attendees who came to honor the fallen stood surrounding the families in solidarity and support.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
The service started off with a prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance, and the singing of the National Anthem. The colors were presented by the FCSO’s color guard.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Following the presentation of the colors, Sheriff Staly came to the podium to speak to the public and to the families of the fallen. He started off by saying this service was not just to remember our fallen officers from our community, but from the entire nation. Sheriff Staly talked about their ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community, serving others, running into danger and upholding the law. “They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude and we will never forget their bravery and service,” said Sheriff Staly. He talked about the number of officers across our country who have laid down their lives in the line of duty last year, as well as the 39 officers who have lost their life while serving in communities across the country since January 2023.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Sheriff Staly went on to honor not only our human law enforcement officers who have laid down their lives in service to their communities, but he honored the four legged K-9 partners who serve their communities, and have lost their lives in service. Sheriff Staly also talked about the families of those fallen officers, and the heavy burden they bear due to the loss of their fallen loved ones. “We know your pain is deep and lasting, and we want you to know, you are not alone in your grief. We grieve with you, our community and nation grieves with you,” said Sheriff Staly. Their legacy lives on, in their families, communities, loved ones, and fellow officers.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Sheriff Staly took this opportunity to read an email he received just a week ago. “I want you to know that I see you. I see you choose the booth in a restaurant that allows you to have your back against a wall. I see you walking to your next traffic stop while you hope this isn’t your last. I see you pulled over 2 hours past your shift as you finish your reports under a street light. I see you as you direct traffic in the scorching heat and cold of winter, in the downpour of rain. I see you being filmed every time you try to do your job. I see you as you watch mainstream media crucify your character while minimizing your cause. I see that you are tired, I see that you are frustrated and misunderstood. I see that you are hurting as the world watches as you bury your brothers and sisters that died because they were guilty of one thing, wearing a uniform with a badge. I see you. I see that you are flesh and bones just like me. I see that you are a human being that has a heart that beats for your calling to serve and protect. I see your cause and I want you to know that I appreciate it.” It was after this that the service moved on to honor the memories of the FCSO’s fallen hero’s and the fallen officers from the communities sister agencies.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
Once the local fallen hero’s of our community were honored, the service moved to the portion where the flameless blue candles were turned on while a touching piece of music played. The service was closed out with a benediction by the Chaplain. Guests and families were invited to have light refreshments and see the permanent memorial that the Sheriff had inside the lobby of the Operations Center.
Copyright Flagler County Buzz
