2026 Flagler County Sheriff's Office Memorial. First, we'd like to recognize dignitaries and elected officials in attendance this evening. FBI acting special agent in charge of Jacksonville division, Jason Carley. Florida State Senator Tom Wright. Judge Andrea Totten. Commissioner Chair Leanne Pennington. Commissioner Andy Dance. Commissioner Greg Hansen. Commissioner Kim Carney. Commissioner Pam Richardson. Bunnell Mayor Kathleen Robinson. Vice Mayor John Rogers. Commissioner David Atkinson. Chief of Police David Brennan. From Palm Coast Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri. Council member Charles Gambra Gambaro. City Manager Mike McGlaughlin. From Flagler Beach Chief of Police Lance Blanchette. And former Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. Any other dignitaries and elected officials present, please stand and be recognized. Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the posting of the colors and our national anthem. The invocation will be be provided by Flagler County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Ed Rice Stetter followed by posting of the colors and the national anthem. >> I invite you to bow your heads as we pray. Lord, we thank you for your presence and ask for your comfort with us tonight during this memorial service. Heavenly Father, we ask eternal peace and rest to all our fallen brothers who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of their duties. They gave their lives by working as guardians to protect our families, our homes, and our communities. Give to their families, friends, and law enforcement brothers and sisters peace and comfort to bear the anguish of their loss. Fill their family members >> [clears throat] >> and each of us gathered here tonight with good memories of times together. Perhaps remembering their quick smile as they entered the squad room or being reassured by hearing their voice on the radio saying back up is on the way or saying to a loved one, "I love you and I'll see you soon." We're thinking about K9 Cairo tilting his head and wagging his tail. Heavenly Father, help each of us to remember and honor their sacrifice and their service to others. We say to our fallen heroes, "Know that you will never be forgotten by us." Lord, we pray on the last day when you return in your glory to make all things new that you will raise up our fallen heroes to new life in your kingdom. For they showed their love for others by giving their lives serving and protecting us. Watch over those in uniform who continue to watch tonight standing the line between order and chaos. I pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you agree with this prayer, I invite you to say, "Amen." Amen. All other sworn personnel, attention, sir. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Present. Present. Up. Oh, say, can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly >> [singing] >> we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars [singing] through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the [singing] rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land >> [singing] >> of the free and the home of the brave? Order. Arms. Hurry. Rest. Please be seated. I would like to introduce Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Well, good evening and thank you for joining us tonight. We've gathered together during National Police Week to honor and remember the memory of those who gave their lives in the line of duty, not only here, but across the nation and their families. President John F. Kennedy first issued a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. The first law enforcement memorial service was held in Washington, D.C. in 1982 and it is a tradition that continues today. The weight of the badge is not easy. Every day, those who wear it do so in service to others, understanding the risks they take. However, the badge weighs heaviest for the loved ones who walked alongside these fallen heroes and continue to bear the burden of their sacrifices. Sadly, Florida ranks third in the nation in 2025 for law enforcement officer deaths. As of this year, Florida is tied for 11th in the na- nationwide with two deaths in law enforcement. Those who serve are bonded by a shared sense of duty and we feel every as if it were one of our own, a member of our family. That is why I personally sign two cards whenever there is a line of duty death anywhere in the country. One to the agency and one to the family. Last year I signed 230 cards representing 115 law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty in 20 25. 11 of those cards in 2025 were for Florida's fallen heroes. And already in 2026, I've signed 40 cards for fallen heroes across the country. Two of them were killed in Florida. In sending these cards, it is my hope that their colleagues and loved ones know they are not alone and have a community of support that stands with them forever and stretches across this great country. In Flagler County, we named our training rooms at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and the operations center for our fallen heroes. And last year the Beverly Beach community named three canals to remember three of our fallen deputies. It is kindness like this that makes Flagler County such a great community to serve and we thank our community for their unwavering support, which we see even here tonight. Every name we honor tonight tells a story of courage, commitment, and service to others. While we can never ease the loss felt by the families, we can ensure their sacrifice was not in vain. Their names will not be forgotten and their legacies will live on through their memory and the work we continue for them by serving and protecting our community. The granite memorials to my left honor the four deputies and the two sheriffs that have fallen serving Flagler County since 1917. And sadly in 2025, we added one canine to our memorial. Canine K9 is the first canine that died in the line of duty, but one of 23 canines across this country that died in 2025. The memorials are a tribute to remember the sheriffs and deputies and now a canine that dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our community. Tonight, we also remember our fallen brother at the Bunnell Police Department and a fallen FBI agent and FHP Trooper who are connected to Flagler County by family and service. We also remember the fallen heroes from across Florida and this country for the sacrifices they and their families have made. Let us now pause to remember Sheriff Perry Hall, Deputy George Sundurance, Sheriff Homer Brooks, Deputy Charles Cease, Sergeant Francisco Celico, Deputy First Class Paul Luciano and Canine K9. FHP Trooper Daryl Haywood Sr. FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin and Bunnell Police Department Sergeant Dominic Guido. Well, your watch has ended. We will never forget your service and sacrifice. So, if you could join me in a moment of silence before we continue. Matthew 5 .9 reads, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." So, let's remember and recognize those still serving, the dedicated men and women behind the badge, the long shifts, the split-second decisions, the responsibility carried everyday. Policing goes beyond the job. It's a commitment to serve, protect, and run toward danger when others run away. The men and women across this country that wear the badge and our canine partners show up when it matters the most. We will be forever grateful for our fallen heroes and to all that continue to serve. May God bless and protect our brothers and sisters still serving, the families of our fallen heroes, and the families that support our brave men and women that still serve our community with honor and pride. Again, I would like to thank you for coming to share your support tonight for the family and for the agency members. As we continue with our candlelight memorial remembering our fallen heroes and their families. May God bless law enforcement across the country and everyone here tonight and all those continuing to serve. Thank you. Now we will recognize our fallen heroes. Sheriff Perry Hall, end of watch, August 21st, 1927. Deputy Sheriff George Sundurance, end of watch, August 25th, 1927. >> Sheriff Homer Brooks end of watch March 23rd, 1965 Deputy Sheriff Charles Chuck Cease end of watch July 5th 2003 Sergeant [snorts] Francesco Frankie Celico end of watch September 9th 2011 >> Deputy first class Paul Luciano. End of watch, August 26th, 2021. >> Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Darrell Haywood Senior End of Watch October 2nd 2004 >> [clears throat] >> FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin End of Watch February 2nd 2021 Sergeant Dominic Guido Bonnel Police Department End of Watch November 9th 2021 >> Flagler County Sheriff's Office K9, Cairo. End of watch, October 14th, 2025. All Florida law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the past year. >> all law enforcement officers across this nation who died in the line of duty in the past year. At this time, I invite everyone in attendance to light your electronic blue candles and direct your attention to the screen for a special video tribute to our fallen heroes to the tune of Finn Blue Line by Jerry Salie. She kisses him goodbye again this morning. Pray to God will safely bring him home. Doing what his daddy did before him. Just in case you are ever [singing] called to be that strong. Tonight there is his face in his dance recital. When duty calls, there's just one choice to make. Look for his flying hero, and the danger comes someone else's [singing] child is in harm's way. Finn blue line. Whatever may this town tonight. In this brave nights, they made the sacrifice. Red and yellow, black and white, they never do they twice when trouble calls. That's where you draw the blue line. Tonight we'll go to sleep and take the brandy. The ones who wear the badge will keep us safe. Everyday somebody tries to cross it. The pavement nearly cracks, but never breaks. They're calling names and spit right in their faces. They're best to burn the country down. But before that fire gets up to my front door, I'll tell you now what side I >> [singing and music] >> stand on. The blue line running through this town tonight. In this brave nights, they made the sacrifice. Red and yellow, black and white, they never do they twice when trouble calls. That's where you draw the blue line. The blue line running through your town tonight. >> All uniform personnel, attention, shut. Freeze it. Out. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Order. >> Order, arms. Parade, rest. >> [music] [music] [music] >> For the benediction, Flagler County Sheriff's Chaplain Mark Chavez. If you please bow If you please bow your heads for the benediction. Again, Lord, thank you for your presence with us tonight. [snorts] Heavenly Father, we ask eternal peace and rest to all our brothers who sacrificed our very lives in the performance of their duties. They gave their lives while working as guardians to protect our families, our homes, and our communities. Give to their loved ones the peace and comfort to bear the anguish of their loss. Fill their family members and each of us with good memories of times together. And each As quick smile, they entered the squad room beginning reser- by hearing their voice on the radio saying back up is on the Heavenly Father, each of us to remember and honor their sacrifice and loss by always serving with honor, humility, and professionalism. We We say to our fallen heroes, know that you will never and you will never be forgotten. No weapon formed against you shall proper prosper. Isaiah Isaiah 54:17. So, we pray for all those currently serving. Almighty God, we pray that you protect Sheriff Staly and all the members of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and law enforcement officers serving in Bunnell and Flagler Beach from all harm in the performance of their duties to keep our community safe. Through your Holy Spirit, we ask that you each give wisdom to know to do what is right. Temper law enforcement officers' actions with mercy and justice. When daily tours of duty are completed and the day is over, let law enforcement officers return safely to their homes and loved ones. I pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you agree with this benediction, I invite you to say amen. All uniform personnel, attention! Sit. Honor guard, retire. Order arms. Forward march. >> This concludes our 2026 memorial. Thank you all for attending. Refreshments are available at