Sheriff Rick Staly honored employees and citizens who have gone above and beyond during FCSO’s Second Quarter 2023 Awards Ceremony on August 31, 2023, at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly awarded several Lifesaving Awards to employees for their roles in saving the lives of others within the last three months. Sheriff Staly also awarded Certificates of Commendation, Certificates of Appreciation, and Unit Citations as part of the ceremony.
“I am proud to lead such a strong and professional team of individuals who make us proud every day serving our community,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “It is important to recognize all of the hard work our amazing team does every day.”
Three employees received Employee of the Month recognition while 9 others were recognized for reaching years of service milestones from five to 15 years of service.
Below is a summary of each award winner and why they received an award.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION (CITIZEN) – JOHN SPINA:
John Spina has been providing refreshments such as Publix Subs, pizza, side dishes, condiments, desserts, and drinks for the entire Alpha Squad nearly every weekend since 2019. John provides these refreshments for upwards of 20 people and there are almost always leftovers that other agency members enjoy. John is rarely seen when dropping the items off and never seeks recognition for the good deed that he routinely funds for members of the Agency. John Spina’s involvement in taking care of FCSO employees for the last several years is to be recognized with a sincere Certificate of Appreciation.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – DEPUTY FIRST CLASS LAURA JENKINS:
On May 10th, 2023, units responded to a report of a Domestic Disturbance involving a 6-year-old victim. After the victim’s guardian was arrested, Deputy Jenkins took custody of the young child and drove him to school so he could have a sense of normalcy after being involved in a difficult incident. Deputy Jenkins later learned that the arrested party had multiple animals in the home that would go without care. She worked with Animal Control to secure and transfer the animals safely. Deputy Jenkins also stayed in contact with the DCF Investigator to ensure the child victim was cared for, actively assisting DCF until nearly 11:00 PM. Deputy Jenkins sets an incredible example for her peers when she consistently goes the extra mile to provide support to victims of crime and those in need.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – CORPORAL CRAIG ROSSI:
On April 28, 2023, units were dispatched to a Commercial Robbery at a gas station in Palm Coast. The reporting party advised a male made verbal threats and possibly had a weapon. The reporting party gave the suspect the cash in the register and then contacted 911. Corporal Rossi utilized technology from the Sheriff’s Office and the city of Palm Coast to identify the suspect vehicle. Corporal Rossi notified dispatch who put a BOLO out for the vehicle and was notified that St. Johns Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol were in pursuit of the suspect. FCSO communications later advised the suspect fled from Camden County SO (GA) and attempted to commit another robbery. The gas station clerk discharged a firearm approximately 8 times toward the suspect, and the Camden County SO was able to apprehend a multi-county robbery suspect. Due to Corporal Rossi’s effort and diligence, a multi-state robbery suspect would not have been apprehended.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST FIRST CLASS STEPHANIE MAYBERRY:
On May 6, 2023, Communications Specialist First Class Stephanie Mayberry received a 911 from an excited male who advised his fiancé was in labor. The female was 8 months pregnant, and contractions were only minutes apart. At this time, CSFC Mayberry provided the male with specific instructions including confirmation that the umbilical cord was clear of the child. The male then delivered the infant and CSFC Mayberry could hear the baby crying and followed up with post-delivery instructions. Rescue arrived on scene and notified CSFC Mayberry they had two patients.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – CITIZENS DONALD AND DEBRA MCKINNEY:
On July 3, 2023, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a BOLO from the Florida Highway Patrol in reference to a stolen vehicle that fled from a trooper and was entering Flagler County. FHP was no longer behind the vehicle and the vehicle’s whereabouts were unknown. A short time later, Debra and Donald McKinney were home and observed a vehicle back up their street, parked sideways in a neighbor’s driveway, and two males fled on foot from the vehicle. They contacted the FCSO and provided a description of the males and what they had observed. Deputies responded to the area and were able to apprehend one of the males involved. Mr. & Mrs. McKinney confirmed the male in custody was the same subject they observed driving the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed to be the same stolen vehicle that fled from FHP earlier. If it were not for Mr. & Mrs. McKinney observing the incident and contacting law enforcement, the stolen vehicle would not have been recovered so quickly, two firearms (one of which was reported stolen) would not have been recovered, and a car thief would not have been captured.
UNIT CITATION – CHIEF DANIEL ENGERT, COMMANDERS JONATHAN DOPP AND LOUIS MICELI, GENERAL COUNSEL JOHN LEMASTER, SERGEANTS JAMES MILEY, SHANE MEEHAN, AND PAUL DESOUSA, DEPUTY FIRST CLASS JESSE O’NEILL, DEPUTY SHERIFFS DEREK LOGSDON AND ROBIN TOWNS:
On May 11, 2023, FCSO team members collaborated to host the 2023 Sheriff’s Association Summit hosted at the new FCSO Operations Center. Sheriffs and their Chief Deputies from 32 counties attended along with staff of the Florida Sheriffs Association. The successful event was contingent on the timely completion and delivery of a new catering trailer and preparing it to be functional in a short time frame preceding the event. The team worked many consecutive days and long hours to perform tasks outside of their normal assignments. They also worked across various agency divisions and with members of the public to plan every aspect of this event and were determined to ensure its success.
UNIT CITATION – SERGEANTS DANIEL PARTHEMORE AND GABE FUENTES, CORPORAL ANDREW CANGIALOSI, DEPUTY FIRST CLASS BRYAN SCOTT JACKSON AND JENNIFER PREVATT, DEPUTY SHERIFFS AARON BEAUSOLEIL, JAKE FOWLER, MATTHEW HIRSCHI, DAVID LICHTY, ANGELICA QUIROGA-JOYA, OLIVIA SCHRAGER AND ALEXANDER WOLFE:
On March 31, 2023, units responded to a Palm Coast business. A clerk at the business called 911 and advised a male had stolen the cash register from behind the counter. Units responded within minutes and were able to provide a vehicle tag and suspect description. Units then located the suspect vehicle traveling southbound on Hwy 1 and confirmed it was the same vehicle involved in the burglary. Deputies established a perimeter and set up stop sticks, which successfully deflated the front driver’s side tire. The suspect vehicle stopped, and a felony stop was conducted. The suspect was secured without further incident. In plain view, on the front passenger side floorboard, was the register that was stolen from the business as well as a large amount of cash. A show-up was conducted with the clerk and two witnesses who positively identified the suspect. The suspect was charged with burglary and grand theft. The suspect was also charged with an Orange County warrant for burglary, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
UNIT CITATION – SERGEANT FRANKLIN GAMARRA, CORPORAL J. GIBSON SMITH, DEPUTY FIRST CLASS ROBERT FINN, BRANDEN HARTLEY, DEPUTY SHERIFF JOSEPH OLIVA, RICHARD STANFORD, DEREK LOGSDON, NECOLE MARSAN, DAYTONA BEACH SHORES SERGEANT BILLIE PHILLIPS, FLAGLER COUNTY FIREFIGHTER LT. JON MOSCOWITZ:
On April 16th, 2023, units responded to a retention pond on Interstate 95 in reference to an SUV that crashed into the pond. The vehicle, which was on its roof and submerged in water, contained one occupant. Multiple individuals entered the pond to aid the occupant of the vehicle. The windows of the vehicle were broken out and a deputy swam into the cabin to free the driver who suffered respiratory failure. The driver was removed from the vehicle and was taken to land where CPR was performed to revive the driver. The men and women involved in this situation displayed exceptional service to the community by risking their lives during the performance of a hazardous duty.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY SHERIFF DAVID JOHNSON AND DEPUTY SHERIFF VINCENT MISTRETTA:
On April 4, 2023, units responded to a Palm Coast business in reference to a possible overdose. Upon approaching the scene, a male was found lying on his back near the sidewalk. Another male was performing chest compressions on the individual. Deputy Sheriff Mistretta took over the chest compressions while Deputy Sheriff Johnson administered one dose of Narcan. The victim ultimately became responsive and was transported via ambulance to the hospital.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR LISA NESBITT:
On May 1, 2023, Communications Supervisor Lisa Nesbitt answered a 911 call from a caller advising that a female was choking and not able to breathe. The caller was worried about performing the Heimlich due to how fragile the patient was, but Supervisor Nesbitt assured her that she would walk her through it properly. Supervisor Nesbitt then began instructing the caller on how to properly perform the Heimlich Maneuver and continued until the food item was confirmed to be dislodged and the patient was breathing normally again. The patient was breathing normally prior to EMS arrival due to Communications Supervisor Nesbitt’s quick reactions.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY SHERIFF JOSHUA BARRETT:
On June 28, 2023, Deputy Barrett responded to a Palm Coast home in reference to an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Deputy Barrett observed the male slumped over and not breathing. Deputy Barrett administered one dose of NARCAN, and the male began to breathe on his own. The male was transported to the hospital where he made a full recovery.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – COMMANDER BRIAN FINN & SERGEANT RECKENWALD:
On April 22, 2023, Commander Finn responded to a Palm Coast home in reference to an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, he observed the female in her yard unresponsive. Commander Finn administered one dose of NARCAN and began compressions. Sergeant Reckenwald also arrived on scene and administered a second dose of NARCAN, and a faint pulse was reestablished prior to Fire Rescue arrival. The female ultimately regained consciousness.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY SHERIFF NECOLE MARSAN:
On April 2, 2023, Deputy Marsan responded to a Palm Coast home in reference to an unresponsive male. Prior to arrival, it was reported that an 81-year-old male might have suffered a heart attack and was unresponsive. Deputy Marsan arrived, accessed the male, and began CPR. Deputy Marsan continued to provide life-saving measures until relieved by Palm Coast Fire Department Personnel. Ultimately, PCFD transported the male to the hospital for further medical assistance. At the time of this award submission, contact was made with the hospital, and the Agency was advised that the male was still alive and in the Intensive Care Unit.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – COMMANDER BRIAN FINN, DEPUTY FIRST CLASS PHILIP KOTOWSKI AND DEPUTY SHERIFF VINCENZO BARLOTTA:
On June 16th, 2023, FCSO Deputies were dispatched to an overdose in progress at a business in Palm Coast. Units arrived on scene shortly thereafter and began life-saving efforts. 2 doses of Narcan were given to the subject who was suffering an apparent overdose. Due to a lack of response from the subject, the deputies began administering CPR. A second subject who was on scene began to slowly lose consciousness as the deputies were trying to assist the first subject. A single dose of Narcan would then be administered to that subject as well. Ultimately, both subjects survived the incident, thanks to the rapid response from FCSO Deputies.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY SHERIFF ANTHONY CUTHBERT:
On June 16, 2023, Flagler County Communications received a 911 call regarding two males who were unconscious and suffering from an overdose. Deputy Cuthbert arrived and took life-saving measures by administering his agency-issued Narcan. Paramedics also arrived on scene and attended to both patients who later regained consciousness.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER CREGO, DEPUTY SHERIFF TROY MAGNUSON:
On June 12, 2023, FCSO Communications received a 911 call of an 8-year-old boy who was not breathing at the Royal Palms RV Resort & Campground. A neighbor was already on scene performing CPR on the child. DFC Crego and DS Magnuson responded to the scene and assisted with moving the child and continuing CPR until paramedics arrived. The child was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he made a full recovery.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – DEPUTY SHERIFF FIRST CLASS KYLE GADDIE AND CITIZEN JOHN KENNY II:
On August 10th, 2023, Deputies Huzior and Gaddie were conducting a DUI and crash investigation. During this investigation, Deputy Huzior located various narcotics within the vehicle and began conducting field tests on the substances. While conducting these tests, Deputy Huzior began to feel dizzy and disoriented and started to sweat heavily. He approached Deputy Gaddie, explaining that he needed assistance. Deputy Huzior then began to fall and was assisted to the ground by Deputy Gaddie. Deputy Gaddie quickly recognized that Deputy Huzior had possibly been exposed to an opiate and was having a reaction to this unknown substance. Deputy Gaddie administered a dose of Narcan and assisted Deputy Huzior in removing his gun belt and Kevlar vest to assist his breathing. Deputy Gaddie continued to talk to Deputy Huzior to keep him awake and ultimately issued a second dose of Narcan. A citizen, John Kenny II, stopped to assist Deputy Gaddie, providing water and towels, and helping keep Deputy Huzior conscious. The quick and calm reaction provided by Deputy Gaddie and John Kenny II undoubtedly saved the life of Deputy Huzior.
MERIT AWARD – DEPUTY FIRST CLASS JENNIFER PREVATT:
On May 04, 2023, DFC Prevatt responded to a call of a male subject armed with a rifle who was staggering in the roadway acting erratically. DFC Prevatt arrived, observed the subject, and confirmed he was armed with a rifle. She also observed the subject attempting to flag down moving vehicles and his intentions were unknown. With concerns about public safety, she made the decision to confront the male before he could harm anyone. She began advancing toward the male, identifying herself and giving him orders to drop the weapon. The subject would not comply and ultimately fired a single shot and retreated to an unknown property. DFC Prevatt maintained her focus and continued to advance on the male’s last known location while constantly updating dispatch and the Real Time Crime Center. As backup units arrived, clear verbal commands led to the male ultimately surrendering and he was taken into custody. The subject was found to be a convicted felon and a registered sex offender. He was arrested on 3 felony charges as well as numerous misdemeanor charges.
The following FCSO members are also being recognized in a Unit Citation for their combined efforts in assisting with the apprehension of the subject:
UNIT CITATION – COMMANDER JOSEPH BARILE, SERGEANT GABE FUENTES, CORPORAL ANDREW CANGIALOSI, DEPUTY FIRST CLASS JENNIFER PREVATT, DEPUTY SHERIFF’S JAXON DORSEY, JAKE FOWLER, KEVIN GOMEZ, BRYAN SCOTT JACKSON, DAVID LICHTY, ALEXANDER WOLFE, RTCC SUPERVISOR NIKKI NORTH, CRIME ANALYST HAYDEN ORE AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST FIRST CLASS TINA EDDY
EMPLOYEES OF MONTH 2ND QUARTER:
APRIL – Communications Specialist First Class Stephanie Mayberry
MAY – Deputy First Class Jennifer Prevatt
JUNE – Deputy First Class Christopher Crego
YEARS OF SERVICE –
5 – Courthouse CCTV Operator Erika Balogh, CCTV Operator Stephen Palmer, Deputy Sheriff Anthony Bifano, Deputy First Class Richard Wallis, Reserve Deputy Kevin VerStraten
10 – Corporal Mita Nicolas, Executive Assistant Sheri Gopie, Accreditation Supervisor Michele Bagnoli
15 – C.O.P. Dan Lamperti
