- May 5, 2024
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Sheriff' s Office commanders lead the “arrestees" — from left: Santa Claus and Realtors Jimmy Millholin and Fred Lewers — to face the judge. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
Sheriff Staly leads Wadsworth Elementary Principal John Fanelli to his patrol vehicle for the Jail ' n Bail fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
Flagler County Superintendent Jacob Oliva was the first ' arrestee' to face the judge March 31. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
Sheriff Rick Staly handcuffs Flagler County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen for the Jail ' n Bail fundraiser . (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
After “arresting” people all morning and hauling them to “jail,” even Sheriff Rick Staly got “arrested” on warrants sworn out by two different individuals. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
After “arresting” people all morning and hauling them to “jail,” even Sheriff Rick Staly got “arrested” on warrants sworn out by two different individuals. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office)
Shirley Anderson served with the Flagler County Sheriff' s Office for 30 years. (Photo courtesy of the Flagler CountySheriff' s Office)
New firefighter-paramedics were ' pinned' at the ceremony March 30 (Photo courtesy of Flagler County)
Sheriff Rick Staly led a "Jail ’n Bail" fundraiser that raised more than $5,100 for the American Cancer Society March 31, doing one of the things law enforcement officers do best: arresting “bad” guys and gals.
But March 31, it was all in good fun, according to a Flagler County Sheriff's Office news release.
Elected officials, school leaders, real estate agents and even Santa Claus were among those hauled in — in handcuffs — for the Jail’n Bail.
March 31 was the first time Flagler County has participated in the fundraiser, according to the news release.
Friends, family and co-workers had the opportunity to swear out a warrant and have someone “arrested,” to be taken before a “judge” where “bail” was set, to benefit the American Cancer Society. While the arrestees were in “jail,” they had to secure their “bail” in the form of pledges to benefit ACS’ Relay for Life event scheduled Saturday, April 1.
The detainees got to make more than one phone call, or text or email, to ask their associates to raise enough money to be released from jail.
Those arrested had to appear before the judge between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Flagler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership on State Road 100, where Palm Coast Councilman and local attorney Robert Cuff presided as judge and donned the appropriate attire.
The fun began when Staly rolled up in his SUV with lights flashing as he deposited the first group of arrestees. All were required to don prisoner jumpsuits and face the judge. They had to stay in a tiny jail cell while they worked out their bail arrangements.
Kris Kringle, also known as Santa Claus, was among those arrested. His charges included flying without a pilot’s license, multiple burglaries and not having his reindeer properly vaccinated.
Wisely, Santa wore his summer Santa suit and sported sunglasses. And he called his attorney, Michael Chiumento, who landed in the jail cell himself after the judge found him in contempt.
Money raised from the Jail’n Bail will help the ACS provide support for people affected with cancer, as well as fund research to help protect future generations.
Even Staly was "arrested" after his wife swore out a (good-natured) warrant for his arrest, because he works too many hours.
“I’m very pleased to have been part of this event today,’’ Staly said. “Cancer affects many people and their families and I wanted to help support the American Cancer Society in its efforts to fight cancer. Thanks to all the volunteers and good sports who made this event possible.”
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for Deputy Shirley Anderson is retiring after spending 30 years serving the Sheriff’s Office, according to a Flagler County Sheriff's Office news release. Anderson worked her final day March 28.
Anderson, a who moved to Florida from Minnesota, began her career at the Sheriff's Office full-time in 1987. As a deputy sheriff, she worked on road patrol for 22 years, bike patrol, and since 2007, has served as a bailiff at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.
As a bailiff, her job was to provide courtroom security for judges and all court proceedings. She also played an integral role in assessment and communications during emergency incidents at the courthouse. On one occasion about a year ago, as she and her colleagues were undergoing active shooter training at the courthouse using simulated guns with plastic bullets, the training turned very real when she got shot in one arm and in the hand on her other arm.
And last week, a young man came to the courthouse parking lot intending to commit “suicide by cop.” But he was safely apprehended and transported to get treatment instead.
“We see more things in life than people could ever imagine,” Anderson said, according to the news release. “This ain’t like on TV.”
When asked how she’s feeling about saying goodbye to the Sheriff's Office after 30 years, she said, “I haven’t figured that out yet.”
But she has already made plans for the summer. Anderson said she’s purchased a “fixer-upper” cabin in Minnesota, where her heart longs to be at least part of the year.
“I thank Shirley for her 30 years of service to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office," Sheriff Rick Staly said. "We wish her the best in her new life of retirement.”
Flagler County Fire Rescue had a “pinning ceremony” March 30 for the newest firefighter-paramedics who completed probation, according to a Flagler County government news release.
“This is a proud tradition within the Fire Rescue Department,” Chief Don Petito said. “It gives us the opportunity to recognize our newest members and officially welcome them into the department.”
Petito, along with newly promoted Deputy Fire Chief Joe King, conducted the ceremony at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center.
Marianne Huston, Cory Sattar, Andy Thomas, Thomas Cope, Steve Tornelli, Chris Kesselring, Jodie Stafford and Brendon Cook were each pinned.
“It takes a lot of dedication to be a firefighter-paramedic, and we are very pleased to welcome them into our family,” King said.
