BUNNELL, FL – A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office sergeant and 20-year veteran of the agency has been demoted and reassigned following the completion of an internal investigation stemming from an incident that occurred between May 25-26, 2023, in Flagler Beach.
In the early morning hours of May 26, 2023, a Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD) officer on patrol found an individual asleep in a chair outside Finn’s Beachside Pub. While checking on the individual, the FBPD officer was approached by a bar patron who alleged the individual had battered him inside the bar earlier in the night. The individual involved was identified as off-duty FCSO Sergeant Michael Breckwoldt, who had been inside the bar drinking and appeared to be intoxicated.
FCSO on-duty supervisors were notified and Breckwoldt was immediately suspended from law enforcement duties and placed in an administrative position while FBPD conducted their investigation.
A criminal investigation was conducted by FBPD and on July 7, 2023, FBPD announced they had concluded their criminal investigation into the actions of Breckwoldt and found no criminal wrongdoing in the matter.
Sheriff Rick Staly immediately ordered an internal investigation following the completion of FBPD’s investigation. After an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Unit, the investigation determined Breckwoldt had violated the following policies:
- Flagler County Sheriff’s Office General Order # 020 – Standards of Conduct
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- Use of Alcohol Off Duty
- Unbecoming Conduct
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- Flagler County Sheriff’s Office General Order #046 – Assignment of Agency Vehicles
- Use of Vehicles
During the course of the internal investigation, Breckwoldt successfully completed a month-long treatment program and was ordered by Sheriff Staly to undergo a fitness-for-duty evaluation by the agency’s independent medical provider, which he passed with stipulations to maintain his recovery.
In addition to being demoted to corporal effective August 28, 2023, Breckwoldt incurred a reduction of $5,792.14 annually in pay, was placed on 18 months of disciplinary probation, signed a last chance agreement (meaning that if he violates any policy during his disciplinary probation his employment will be terminated without appeal); lost his agency take-home vehicle privileges for 6-months (except when in an on-call status); and must attend a mandatory meeting with Sheriff Staly. In addition, Breckwoldt was reassigned to an existing vacant corporal position in the Major Case Unit, where he will use his investigative experience and knowledge to solve major crimes.
“It is my responsibility to protect the public’s trust in our agency,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I was extremely disappointed to learn of Breckwoldt’s behavior while off-duty that tarnished the image of our hard-working men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and the public image of our agency. But I also recognize that alcohol abuse occurs in the law enforcement profession caused by the many stresses of the profession and the human violence law enforcement officers often see and deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes, employees make the wrong choices to cope with the stress of law enforcement despite the available resources and resiliency programs made available. I’m glad to see that he is committed to his treatment program and was cooperative and apologetic and we wish him success. However, if any future violation occurs, his employment will be terminated.”
Breckwoldt joined FCSO on January 8, 2003, and has received nearly 30 award commendations. He also received a rating of “excellent” on his most recent employee performance evaluation.
