75-year-old treated for leg wound after firearm discharged while holstering at sheriff’s office training event
A 75-year-old retired law enforcement officer accidentally shot himself in the leg on October 16 while participating in a firearms qualification course hosted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at the Flagler Gun & Archery Club in Bunnell.
The Incident
The accident occurred during an H.R. 218 qualification course, an annual requirement for retired officers who wish to carry concealed firearms across the United States. According to preliminary investigation, the man had his finger inside the trigger guard while holstering his weapon, causing it to discharge a single round through his leg.
Deputies who were overseeing the qualification immediately responded by applying a tourniquet to control bleeding. Flagler County Fire Rescue then transported the victim by FireFlight helicopter to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Official Response
Sheriff Rick Staly addressed the incident, emphasizing the preparedness of deputies at the remote location.
“While this is an unfortunate incident, because the range is in a remote part of Flagler County, our deputies overseeing the annual qualification are highly trained and carry trauma kits,” Staly said. “Accidents can happen but our deputies did exactly what they were trained to do to treat the victim’s injury until emergency medical services could arrive.”
The sheriff wished the retired officer “a full and quick recovery.”
Investigation and Review
The FCSO Major Case Unit is investigating the accident. The sheriff’s office will also conduct a separate internal review to ensure all safety measures were properly followed during the qualification course.
About H.R. 218 Qualification
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, commonly called H.R. 218, allows qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. The law requires retired officers to qualify annually with their firearms.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office hosts H.R. 218 qualification courses twice yearly, in spring and fall. Participants must complete the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 38-round course and provide their own firearm, ammunition, holster, and safety equipment. They must also sign a liability release and agree to range rules before participating.
“We offer this course as a thank you to nearby retired law enforcement officers for their service,” Sheriff Staly said.
The course is designed specifically for retired officers who wish to maintain their federal carry privileges under H.R. 218, which was enacted to recognize the continued value of law enforcement training even after retirement.
