- December 4, 2025
A retired law enforcement officer participating in a firearms qualification course hosted by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office sustained an accidental gunshot wound to the leg while holstering his firearm on Thursday, Oct. 16.
FCSO reported the 75-year-old man had his finger inside the trigger guard while holstering, causing the gun to fire a single round that went through his leg. He was treated by deputies on the scene at Flagler Gun & Archery Club, applying a tourniquet until Flagler County Fire Rescue arrived. Due to his age, the victim was transported via helicopter to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach for further treatment.
His injuries, FCSO states, are not believed to be life-threatening.
“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," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in the press release. "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. We wish the retiree a full and quick recovery.”
FCSO stated that its Major Case Unit responded to the range and is investigating the incident. The agency will also conduct a separate internal review to ensure all safety measures were followed.
The victim was taking a firearms qualification course for the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, which FCSO said is often referred to as H.R. 218, and allows qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in any jurisdiction in the U.S., with some exceptions. It requires an annual qualification.
FCSO holds this course during the spring and fall of each year, and each retiree needs to bring the firearm they plan to carry, ammunition, a holster, eye and ear protection. They also need to sign a release of liability and rules of the range to participate.
“We offer this course as a thank you to nearby retired law enforcement officers for their service,” Staly said.
