By-Line: Joseph Bober, Public Information Office, FCSO
Employees who provided lifesaving CPR, solved lengthy investigations, and saved the lives of jail inmates are among those who were honored during the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s 2025 Second Quarter Awards Ceremony held on July 31, 2025, at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly awarded multiple Life Saving Awards to employees for their roles in saving the lives of others. Included in the ceremony was the presentation of a Life Saving Award to deputies and a call taker who worked together to save the life of a 10-year-old boy. The boy and his family were in attendance during the ceremony.
Sheriff Staly also awarded Unit Citations, Certificates of Commendation and Appreciation, and other awards to employees and citizens as part of the ceremony.
“It’s my pleasure to recognize these men and women who go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Sheriff Staly. “I am honored to lead this amazing team that selflessly works to serve and protect the citizens of Flagler County.”
Three employees received Employee of the Month recognition, while five others were recognized for reaching years of service milestones from five to 20 years.
Below is a summary of each award winner and why they received an award.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – Deputies Kyle Manka, Christopher Nguyen, and Sierra Held; Call Taker Megan Flores
On May 8, the FCSO Communications Center received a call regarding a 10-year-old boy who was not breathing. Call Taker Megan Flores was immediately dispatched for service and continued to provide pre-arrival instructions to the family.
Deputy Christopher Nguyen arrived on scene within minutes and began assisting in lifesaving efforts by deploying his automated external defibrillator. Deputies Kyle Manka and Sierra Held arrived shortly thereafter and assisted with lifesaving efforts and the care of two other children on scene.
After being transferred to the hospital, the young boy was conscious and breathing. Without the quick dispatching of units and immediate deployment of AED and compressions, this situation would likely have had a different outcome.
Watch the presentation of the award.
LIFE SAVING AWARD – Communications Specialist Whitney Zuazua
On April 28, the FCSO Communications Center received a call for a 60-year-old female who was not breathing. Communication Specialist Whitney Zuazua provided CPR instructions on the phone for six minutes until a deputy arrived and took over chest compressions. After assessment by the fire department, the patient had regained pulses on scene due to the FCSO employees’ successful actions in giving CPR instructions and rendering CPR on scene.
UNIT CITATION – Detective Sergeant Daniel Weaver; Detective Corporal Seth Green; Master Detective Kyle Gaddie; Deputies First Class Shayna Favorite and Richard Wallis
On June 5, an overnight report of vehicle burglaries resulted in the theft of several items, including a handgun with an extended magazine. Thanks to a thorough investigation, deputies and detectives identified and arrested three juvenile suspects. Nearly all stolen property, including the firearm, was recovered and returned to the victims. The expedient recovery highlights the effective efforts of all involved.
UNIT CITATION – Sergeant Troy Van Pelt; Detective Corporal Bryan Denker; Corporals Andrew Cangialosi, Carmine Celico, and J. Gibson Smith; Master Detectives Darrell Butler and Adam Gossett; Deputies First Class Sean Doggett, Shayna Favorite, and Vincent Mistretta; Detective First Class Philip Kotowski; Detectives Hayleigh Prentiss and Sarah Scalia; Deputies Evan Bishop, Andrea Forster, Derek Logsdon, Abd Lulu, and Jonathan Schmidt; Communications Training and Relief Supervisor Genice Caccavale; Communications Supervisor Megan Burton; Communications Specialist First Class Danielle Brown; Communications Specialists Goddess Chiri and Anjelica Quiroga-Joya; Real Time Crime Center Specialists Taylor Cousin, Victoria Hanlin, and Amber Morrow
On May 29, a resident reported her son was robbed and held at gunpoint by his friends. Deputies responded and, with the help of detectives and analysts in FCSO’s Real Time Crime Center, they quickly discovered the two suspects had traveled away in a vehicle. K-9 Sergeant Troy Van Pelt located the vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, which led to the apprehension of both suspects. The suspects were apprehended within an hour of the initial report, thanks to the collaborative efforts of all involved.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego
On June 15, while booking a female who had recently been arrested, Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego detected that the arrestee was not being truthful when asked about the possibility of having any contraband on her person. Due to the arrestee’s possible deception, Master Detention Deputy Crego searched and located six syringes and a baggie containing fentanyl. Due to her attention to detail, she was able to prevent a deadly substance from entering the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, potentially saving lives and creating a positive outcome.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Detective First Class John Hill
In May, Detective First Class John Hill managed to recover $48,290 of funds sent by victims of cryptocurrency scams. This marked the first time in the history of the FCSO that funds sent in scams involving cryptocurrency were traced, seized, and returned to their rightful owner during a criminal investigation.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Detention Deputies Caroline Arzon and Jacob Sventko
On March 30, staff at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility observed an inmate exhibiting signs of a medical episode. Following this observation, swift intervention by Detention Deputies Caroline Arzon and Jacob Sventko prevented a potential medical emergency, showcasing their commitment to ensuring the safety of inmates in the jail.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Deputy Brayden Lohse
On June 18, Deputy Brayden Lohse responded to a suicide threat call where the subject had fled before his arrival. With help from the subject’s family, Deputy Lohse was able to speak to the subject and, during a 30-minute phone call, Deputy Lohse convinced the subject to share their location. Local law enforcement was notified, and the subject was found safe. Deputy Lohse’s perseverance and empathy were crucial in achieving a positive outcome.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Detention Deputies William Amspoker and Arjay Shaw
On May 25, an inmate at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility informed Detention Deputy Arjay Shaw that another inmate was threatening to commit suicide. Upon receiving this information, Detention Deputies William Amspoker and Shaw immediately conducted a welfare check, secured the inmate, and removed them from the unit. As a result of their swift response, vigilance, and thoroughness, Detention Deputies Amspoker and Shaw demonstrated exceptional initiative and attention to detail. Their actions prevented a potentially life-ending event, and they are to be commended for their professionalism and dedication to the safety and well-being of those in their care.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Detention Deputy Bobby Peters
On March 24, while transporting an inmate from the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility to SMA Healthcare, Detention Deputy Bobby Peters observed the inmate attempting self-harm around his neck with a seat belt. He intervened, removed the restraint, and requested assistance, preventing the inmate from inflicting further harm.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Communications Supervisor Heather Robinson
On June 11, while conducting standard procedures using the National Crime Information Center database, Communications Supervisor Heather Robinson came across a stolen vehicle that had been previously entered in May. Recognizing an opportunity to utilize resources, she proactively ran the stolen tag through the license plate reader system. This extra step revealed an LPR hit in Volusia County, Florida, earlier that month. A teletype was then sent to the Volusia County Communications Center requesting that a unit check the area of the LPR hit. As a direct result of her diligence and initiative, the stolen vehicle was located and successfully recovered.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION – Real Time Crime Center Specialist Amber Morrow
On May 3, a vehicle burglary at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Bunnell resulted in the theft of a wallet and a watch. The suspect’s attempt to use a stolen credit card at the Palm Coast Walmart was declined, but security footage led to an attempt to identify the suspect. On May 16, RTCC Specialist Amber Morrow connected the suspect to a Port Orange Police Department intelligence bulletin, revealing their involvement in numerous “Felony Lane”-style crimes throughout Florida and across the southern United States. RTCC Specialist Morrow’s diligence and analytical skills were crucial in resolving this case, and her efforts exemplify the value of the RTCC.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Elena Hall
On April 30, during a missing juvenile investigation, citizen Elena Hall located the missing child after viewing an attempt to locate post on the FCSO Facebook page. While driving on Pine Lakes Parkway in Palm Coast, Hall observed the juvenile walking and made contact with them, notified FCSO, and stayed with the child until deputies arrived. If it were not for Hall’s selfless decision, it is unknown if the investigation would have yielded a positive outcome. Her actions played a critical role in locating the missing juvenile; as a result, she is to be recognized for her outstanding contribution.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Lucy Adams, Trent Cooks, Daniel Murray, and Lopez Thomas of the SMA Healthcare Crisis Treatment and Triage Unit
Under the leadership of Lopez Thomas, the SMA Healthcare Crisis Treatment and Triage Unit has become an essential partner to the FCSO. Their ability to bridge the gap between mental health services and law enforcement has proven invaluable to the safety and well-being of the Flagler County community.
They provided crucial support by their critical interventions in two complex mental health crises in late April. In one instance, Trent Cook skillfully de-escalated a situation with a distrustful individual, ensuring safe transport for mental health evaluation. In another, Lucy Adams and Daniel Murray compassionately assisted an elderly woman experiencing a mental health crisis and homelessness, providing her with shelter, necessities, and hotel placement.
These efforts highlight the CTTU’s vital role in bridging the gap between mental health services and law enforcement, resulting in positive outcomes and enhanced community safety.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
April – Communications Specialist Whitney Zuazua
May – Detective First Class John Hill
June – Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego
YEARS OF SERVICE
5 years – Deputy First Class Branden Hartley, Training Coordinator Beth Doyle
15 years – Sergeant Trevor Jacob, Master Deputy Edward Faircloth
20 years – Corporal Carmine Celico
SPECIALTY SERVICE AWARDS
Five or more consecutive years of service in the FCSO Honor Guard – Commander George Bender, Corporal Brad Stogdon, Master Deputies Bryan Scott Jackson and Mike Spinelli, Master Detention Deputy Amanda Priemer, Deputies Jeremy Chambers and Robert Myers
Corrections Special Operations Team – Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego, Detention Deputy First Class Ian Christensen, Detention Deputy Mark Remish
OTHER AWARDS
Volusia Sheriff’s Office Citation Award – Detective Sergeant Jacob West; Sergeant Chris Ragazzo; Detective Corporal Christopher Santoianni; Corporal Carmine Celico; Master Detectives Daniel Malta and Omar Ocampo; Master Deputies Nicholas Champion and Greg Nunziato; Deputies First Class Bryan Carter and Christopher Crego; Detective Austin Dalrymple; Deputies Blake Colson, Cameron Punsky, and Robert Myers
