Sheriff's Gala to raise money for Flagler Sheriff's Employee Assistance Trust

Detention Deputy Stephen Watkins, who was left paralyzed by a staph infection, was one of the emloyees helped by the trust.

By Ray Boone
| 11:50 a.m. January 11, 2018

Detention Deputy Stephen Watkins receives a check from the FSEAT to pay for his new wheelchair. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office

Palm Coast Observer
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In order to help those who are always there for the community, the Sheriff’s Gala will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Jan. 27 at Hammock Beach Resort. Money raised by the gala will go to the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust, which was set up in October 2017 by Sheriff Rick Staly to help FCSO employees in need.

One of those employees was Detention Deputy Stephen Watkins.

In September 2016, Watkins was diagnosed with a staph infection. One morning, Watkins awoke to find that he couldn’t move. The infection had invaded his spine.

Watkins had to redo much of his house to make it handicap accessible, including the bathroom. However, Watkins couldn’t afford the wheelchair that would help him get in and out of the shower. The trust allowed Watkins to get the chair he needed.

“I know that this time of year, there’s a lot of worthy causes that ask for help and ask for donations,” said Frank DeAngelo, one of the directors of the event. “But this is an opportunity, no matter how small of a donation, would be for the citizens of Flagler to help the people who are always there when they need them.”

Donations can be mailed to FSEAT, 901 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell FL 32110, Attention: Mark Strobridge.