FCSO’s First Homeward Bound Auto Body Class Restores Classic Sheriff’s Paddy Wagon, Earns Career Certifications

BUNNELL, Fla. — Four inmates at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility are leaving with more than a certificate—they’re leaving with marketable job skills and a restored piece of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office history.

On July 20, inmates Moises Ocasio, Robert Cone, Timothy Nash and Kyle Bonino became the first graduates of the Basic Auto Body Collision and Prep for Painting program, a new workforce development course offered through the detention facility’s Homeward Bound Initiative in partnership with Flagler Technical College and Celico Auto Body.

The 12-week program is the fifth career training course offered through the Homeward Bound Initiative, joining existing programs in Vinyl Graphics Application, Food Service Management/Culinary, HVAC pre-apprenticeship and Electrical pre-apprenticeship. The initiative is designed to equip inmates with technical skills that can lead to employment after their release, helping reduce recidivism while addressing local workforce needs.

Participants attended classes twice each week, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Upon successful completion, each graduate received a certificate from Flagler Technical College.

“Like our other programs offered through the Homeward Bound Initiative, participants meet twice a week and receive a combination of classroom and hands-on training,” said Court and Detention Services Division Chief Dan Engert. “Upon successful completion of the program, inmates earn a certificate of completion from Flagler Technical College. These inmates are the first to graduate from this program, but they won’t be the last.”

Rather than practicing solely in a classroom, the inaugural class put their newly acquired skills to work restoring the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s 1954 GMC Paddy Wagon. The project included extensive auto body repairs, priming, a refurbished interior and the application of new Sheriff’s Office decals, giving the vintage police transport vehicle a fresh new life.

Sheriff Rick Staly said the program creates opportunities that benefit both the participants and the local business community.

“These programs are a benefit to not only participating inmates but also our business community because they provide a skilled pipeline of workers in industries with strong local demand,” Staly said. “By choosing to participate in these programs, these inmates are taking significant strides so they can become productive members of our community rather than repeat offenders caught in a revolving door at the Green Roof Inn. A special thank you to Celico Auto Body and Flagler Technical College for partnering with us to turn inmate lives around.”

Celico Auto Body owner Carlo Celico said practical experience is critical for success in the collision repair industry and praised the partnership for giving participants a meaningful second chance.

“There is no substitute for hands-on experience, and I am proud to open our doors to give these inmates a second chance by providing them with the tools they need and an opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians so that they may find success in the workplace,” Celico said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for auto body and collision repair technicians is projected to grow about 2% through 2034. The median annual salary for auto body technicians is more than $51,000, while experienced technicians can earn more than $87,000 annually.

Flagler Technical College, the adult education division of the Flagler County School District, partners with local businesses and organizations to provide career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand industries throughout Flagler County and the surrounding region.