By-Line: Courtney Sebastianelli, PIO, FCSO
Today, the National Sheriffs’ Association awarded Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy and School Resource Deputy Nicholas Champion as the 2025 Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year at the NSA 2025 Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This prestigious honor marks the second time an FCSO Explorer Post Advisor has received this distinguished award from NSA, highlighting the commitment to excellence and leadership within the Agency’s Explorer Program.
Master Deputy Champion has been with the FCSO since 2017 and has led FCSO Explorer Post 410 since 2022. He is also a member of the FCSO K-9 Unit and serves as a School Resource Deputy at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he is responsible for the safety and security of more than 2,500 students.
Among Master Deputy Champion’s many accomplishments, he distinguished himself in 2023 by receiving a Life Saving Award and a Certificate of Commendation for saving the life of a woman involved in a vehicle accident.
Under Master Deputy Champion’s leadership, FCSO Explorers have received numerous awards at statewide and national competitions, including 10 individual shooting awards, nine team awards in scenario-based competitions, and two scholarships.
Master Deputy Champion was selected by the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association as the 2024 Northern Regional Advisor of the Year. He currently serves as FSEA vice president and had previously served on FSEA’s executive board as assistant range master and chair of the Training Advisor Committee.
In 2024, thanks to Master Deputy Champion’s efforts, the FCSO was awarded a grant through the National Rifle Association. This grant provided 17 Glocks, 24 pairs of eyewear, 15 pairs of ear protection, 200 paper targets, 2,500 rounds of ammunition, five gun-cleaning kits, and a digital range timer to train Explorers.
“We are incredibly proud of SRD Master Deputy Nick Champion’s achievement,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This award reflects his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our youth within our community who are interested in a career in law enforcement or detention. His hard work and mentorship exemplify our motto ‘an honor to serve, a duty to protect.’”
The National Sheriffs’ Association President, Sheriff Kieran Donahue (Canyon County, ID), presents Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Nicholas Champion with the award for 2025 Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year, alongside Sheriff Rick Staly, at the NSA 2025 Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
