- May 16, 2025
Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis held its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, to honor an officer from each Flagler County agency.
Kiwanian Frank Consentino conducted the awards ceremony. Flagler Beach Police Chief Matthew Doughney introduced Morgan Snyder as Flagler Beach's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Snyder, who has been in the department since 2023, has made 16 DUI arrests so far this year, Doughney said.
Safety Officer Rommel Scalf is Bunnell's recipient, Police Chief Dave Brannon announced. Scalf, a former law enforcement officer in Holly Hill, serves in a civilian role as an instructor, working in evidence and records and as a street crossing guard. He will soon be providing firearms instruction.
Sheriff Rick Staly introduced Flagler County Sheriff's Office recipient Master Deputy Nick Champion, who came to the FCSO from Holly Hill Police Department in 2017. Champion is a School Resource Officer at FPC High School and a K-9 Officer with a dog that detects explosives. He also revitalized the Explorer program, which allows young people to learn more about a career in criminal justice, the rule of law and good citizenship. Next month, Champion will receive the National Sheriffs’ Association's 2025 Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year award.
Sheriff Staly spoke about crime being down more than 50% since 2017. However, with a county population of 140,000 people, there were about 3,000 arrests made last year by the three departments. Those included 162 for DUI. Sheriff Staly is proud of the award winning jail. It has programs to help inmates change their lives.Inmates can earn a GED and also can participate in a culinary program coordinated with a local restaurant. After completing that program, the individual is licensed by the state to work as a cook upon release. Staly said the jail is certified by ICE as a detainee jail.
