By-Line: Joseph Bober, FCSO

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 14. Sheriff Rick Staly, FCSO employees, family members, and members of the community gathered at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of all Flagler County, state, and national law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The memorial was held during National Police Week where fallen peace officers are remembered every year in Washington, D.C.

The names of FCSO’s six fallen law enforcement officers were read aloud while family members in attendance placed a single rose in a five-point star flower arrangement. They are Sheriff Perry Hall, End of Watch August 21, 1927; Deputy George “Son” Durrance, End of Watch August 25, 1927; Sheriff Homer Brooks, End of Watch March 23, 1965; Deputy Charles T. “Chuck” Sease, End of Watch July 5, 2003; Sergeant Francesco L. “Frankie” Celico, End of Watch September 9, 2011; and Deputy First Class Paul Luciano, End of Watch August 26, 2021.

A uniformed police officer holds up a glowing blue light while standing indoors Another officer stands blurred at a podium in the background with a backdrop of stars behind them A group of uniformed law enforcement officers stand in a row with heads bowed and hands clasped, appearing to observe a moment of silence outside a green building A group of uniformed veterans stands in formation during a ceremony at sunset Some hold flags, while others stand at attention A modern building and trees are visible in the background A police officer helps an elderly woman place a wreath of yellow flowers with blue ribbons during a memorial ceremony, while another officer stands nearby

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office honors its fallen heroes during the 2025 FCSO Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

In addition, three other law enforcement officers with ties to Flagler County were also honored. Sheriff Staly, on behalf of Florida Highway Patrol, recognized FHP Trooper Darryl Haywood Sr., End of Watch October 2, 2004; FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley recognized FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin, End of Watch February 2, 2021; and Bunnell Police Department Chief David Brannon recognized Bunnell PD Sergeant Dominic Guida, End of Watch November 9, 2021.

“I want to thank everyone who attended or watched our memorial service online. It is heartwarming to see such a great turnout for this event every year, and it is a great reminder our community cares about its law enforcement officers,” said Sheriff Staly. “It is important that we always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect their community and their families who also gave so much for our community. We do this so that their memories will live on forever. Our fallen heroes will never be forgotten, and neither will their families and loved ones.”

The FCSO Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, FCSO Chaplains, and family members or relatives of the fallen heroes all participated in the ceremony.

In addition, FCSO unveiled a brick courtyard at the base of the FCSO Law Enforcement Memorial that serves as a tribute to fallen heroes and others before the ceremony. Personalized memorial bricks are still for sale. For more information, visit donate.brickmarkers.com/fseat. The bricks are engraved using state-of-the-art technology and are guaranteed for life. All proceeds support the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust and are tax-deductible.

Engraved bricks form a walkway leading to a black stone memorial plaque with small American flags beside it, set against a green building with large windows