BUNNELL, FL – On Wednesday, The Kiwanis Club of Flagler County held their 17th Annual Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Luncheon and awards ceremony, where Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Detective Adam Gossett was named FCSO’s 2023 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Sheriff Rick Staly and Detective Adam Gossett, named FCSO’s 2023 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by The Flagler/Palm Coast Kiwanis Club.
Major Case Detective Gossett joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office more than five years ago and has been working as a detective for the past two years. Before working in law enforcement, Detective Gossett served in the United States Navy from 2009-2014, where he was deployed overseas three times.
Detective Gossett was selected for FCSO’s 2023 Law Enforcement “Officer of the Year” after helping rescue a family from a vehicle on fire on Interstate 95 while off-duty in April of 2022. Detective Gossett recognized the severity of the crash and rushed to get the occupants to safety. He located two injured children leaning against the vehicle that was on-fire and carried them away from the fire to a safe location. Because he was off-duty and in his personal car, Detective Gossett did not have any emergency equipment with him but removed his shirt to help stop the bleeding on one of the severely injured children. On duty emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter and were able to extinguish the fire, and transported the children and others that were injured for medical treatment. Detective Gossett’s heroic actions likely prevented the victims from succumbing to their injuries. He risked his own safety and wellbeing, proving once again that there is no such thing as an “off-duty” Deputy Sheriff. The actions of Detective Gossett are in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement services and is therefore awarded the Medal of Merit.
“The world needs more people like Detective Gossett. His ability to remain cool, calm, and collected during high-stress situations is a great asset to the FCSO,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “His commitment to his community remained strong, even when he was not required to do so, and his own life was at risk. I’m very proud of Detective Gossett and thank the Flagler-Palm Coast Kiwanis Club for recognizing his bravery as well.”
Bunnell Police (BPD) Officer Alton Ogden and Flagler Beach Police (FBPD) Officer Dylan Coffman were also recognized as BPD’s and FBPD’s 2023 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, respectively. “Congratulations to Bunnell Police Officer Alton Ogden and Flagler Beach Police Officer Dylan Coffman for also being recognized,” said Sheriff Staly. “Great job by all!”
Three Law Enforcement members across Flagler County were recognized as the 2023 Law Enforcement “Officers of the Year” by The Flagler/Palm Coast Kiwanis Club.
Founded in 1915 in Detroit, Kiwanis International is an organization of service and community minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. Kiwanians are volunteers changing the world through service to children and communities by helping shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged, and care for the sick. They develop youth as leaders, build playgrounds, raise funds for pediatric research, and much more. The Kiwanis Club of Flagler County is located in Palm Coast within Division 07 of the Florida District. You can reach them by clicking on this link
