Recently retired Flagler County undersheriff Rick Staly wins Medal of Heroism, aims to be next sheriff

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Rick Staly, who recently retired as undersheriff to Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre, announced on Sept. 2 that he will be running to replace him. He filed his papers with the Supervisor of Elections and will enter the crowded Republican field of candidates.

That announcement came a day after Gov. Rick Scott awarded him with a Medal of Heroism at a ceremony in St. Augustine. The medal is for saving a deputy's life in 1978, when Staly was also a deputy and was shot as he worked to save his fellow deputy's life.

I asked Staly why the medal was given so long after the event, and he explained that his wife submitted his name and the story months ago, when Staly announced his retirement. "She was hoping it would be presented at my retirement party," Staly said in a phone interview on Sept. 3. But, Scott's office wasn't responsive, and the Stalys assumed it nothing would come of it.

"I had no idea it was coming," Staly said.

Staly joins the following Republican candidates who have filed to run for sheriff so far: Jerry O'Gara, John Lamb, Don Fleming and Mark Whisenant.

Below are adapted versions of the press releases sent out to announce that Staly won the award, as well as the announcement that he is running for sheriff.

Staly to run for sheriff

Former Flagler County Undersheriff Rick Staly announced his candidacy for Flagler County Sheriff on Sept. 2.

"With cars being stolen, homes and businesses burglarized, thefts and robberies increasing since I’ve retired, and with agency morale at its lowest and employees fearful of their jobs, I feel compelled to run for sheriff," said Staly. "Flagler County has had almost 16 years of the same two people as sheriff with both having major problems during their time in office. It's time for a new sheriff in town."

Staly has 40 years of proven public safety and business experience and served as the second-in-command of the fourth largest police agency in Florida and the 13th largest sheriff's office in the nation commanding more than 2,000 employees and managing a budget of $120 million.

After relocating to Flagler County almost 10 years ago, Staly built a successful security company which was later sold to a national security firm.

Rick then served as undersheriff of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, where he combined his business savvy with his professional law enforcement experience to serve Flagler County.

Among Staly's many accomplishments as Flagler County undersheriff was the implementation of the agency's first Fugitive Unit. Staly is also credited with implementing the Agency’s Juvenile Assessment and Monitoring program, to hold youthful offenders accountable for their actions.

Staly implemented the “Pay My Jailer” program, where inmates of the County Detention facility are billed for their stay at the county jail. This program has returned thousands of dollars to the county.

“I believe that inmates and not taxpapyers should pay for all their detention costs that Florida law allows,” said Staly.

Staly also identified the need for local mental health care and worked with the county and others in a public-private partnership to obtain a $1.2 million grant to provide local mental health assessments during times of crisis. During Staly's service as undersheriff, deputy sheriff training, technology and equipment were all significantly improved. During his tenure in both Orange and Flagler counties, the crime rate was reduced and crime solving increased.

"I know what it's like to be a street cop,” Staly said. “I've been shot on duty saving the life of a deputy sheriff and even as undersheriff I patrolled the streets, made arrests, backed up deputies, and worked alongside them serving arrest and search warrants. I understand that for employees to want to follow you, that you must be a true leader and be accepted within the hearts and minds of your employees.”

Staly plans to bring about much needed change to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and intends to positively focus agency employees on reducing crime, not playing politics, or being fearful for their continued employment.

Staly plans to focus the agency on new initiatives to combat crime, prevent crime, lower juvenile crime, and fight illegal drug sales on our streets. He is committed to ensuring that agency employees are treated and compensated fairly, so the Sheriff's Office is no longer a training ground for other agencies. Staly will use his successful business experience to improve fiscal and ethical responsibility with your tax dollars.

Staly's pledge to the citizens of Flagler County is that he will be ethical and tough on crime, by targeting repeat offenders, fugitives from justice, going after street gangs, and combating drug dealers within our community head on.

Staly has a Master of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course. He holds certification in Homeland Security – Level V from the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security and holds Fellow status by the American Board of Law Enforcement Experts.

He has been awarded life membership in the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Southern Police Institute Alumni Association. He has been awarded the Medal of Valor, Purple Heart and most recently the Florida Governor's Medal of Heroism.

He is Past President and current Board Trustee of Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, Past President of the Rotary Club of Flagler County, Founding and Past President of the Florida Chapter Southern Police Institute Alumni Association and Past President of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Council.

Staly honored for 40 years of service, 1978 lifesaving incident

During today’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Gov. Rick Scott recognized retired Flagler County Undersheriff Rick Staly with the Medal of Heroism for his bravery and quick reaction during a dangerous situation where he saved a fellow officer’s life.

Scott said, “Retired Undersheriff Rick Staly did not hesitate to risk his life to protect a fellow officer, and I am honored to recognize his tremendous courage today with the Medal of Heroism. Rick served Florida families as a law enforcement officer for 40 years, and I am thankful to him and his fellow officers for their selfless commitment to protecting our state.”

Staly said, “It is an honor to be presented with the Medal of Heroism by Governor Scott. During my years of law enforcement service, I worked alongside countless brave men and women who also deserve to be recognized as heroes and I am proud to represent them today.”

Staly recently retired from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after 40 years of law enforcement service. He was nominated for the Medal of Heroism by his wife for an incident that occurred in 1978 when he served as a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s office.

In 1978, Deputy Staly and Deputy Edwin Sarver responded to a disturbance call at a gas station in Pine Hills. Upon arrival, the suspect had left the scene, but was located by a state trooper a few miles away who called for assistance.

Staly and Sarver went to the trooper’s location, and, while attempting to apprehend the suspect, an altercation ensued. During the struggle, the suspect managed to take control of Sarver’s gun and point it at him. Seeing another officer’s life was in danger, Staly quickly intervened, and put his own life in jeopardy.

The suspect then shot Staly three times, striking him in the chest and arms. The suspect then again tried to flee, but was apprehended by the other officers. Staly’s selfless act of heroism saved the life of Sarver.

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Recently retired Flagler County undersheriff Rick Staly wins Medal of Heroism, aims to be next sheriff

Rick Staly will be challenging Sheriff Jim Manfre, for whom he served as second in command.

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