Flagler Beach, FL – If anyone knows what it means to be historically on the front lines, it’s the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and on Wednesday, the Flagler County chapter bestowed commendations on two first responders from Flagler Beach in recognition of their service through their First Responder Recognition Program.
Nominated by their agencies’ commanding officers, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci and Flagler Beach Fire Lt. Morgan Rainey were presented with the awards in a ceremony held at the Flagler Beach City Hall, by Sons of the American Revolution president Charles Hayes.
Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney spoke from the heart when sharing the qualities and characteristics that made Detective Vinci deserving of the recognition over the past 7 years.
“She’s on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She follows up on criminal investigations. I thought Pitbull was a singer in south Florida. Pitbull is a detective in Flagler Beach,” said Chief Doughney referencing the agency’s lone detective.
After being named Officer of the Year by the Florida Police Chiefs Association in 2021, Doughney said Detective Vinci’s attention to detail and tenacity is unbridled.
“For those out there hearing this speech, or have run into her and are on the wrong side of the law, you can put your head down. You can close your eyes. When you wake up, Rosanna’s gonna be there,” he said.
After a brief stint with another agency, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy was thrilled to learn of Vinci’s return to service with the city, and provided a glowing recommendation to Chief Doughney when asked if she should be rehired.
“I remember when she was first working here and saw a lot of potential,” shared Mealy. “Her demeanor was so wonderful. I was upset when she decided to go to Port Orange. So when Chief Doughney said she’s thinking about coming back I said ‘yeah, work on her’.”
The small town connectivity lends itself to a family atmosphere among members of the agency, and has been a strong asset when retaining talent like Detective Vinci.
“The chiefs improve themselves and set a good role model for everybody and they do what they can to encourage people to work their way up. I think it’s the whole everybody working together. Here, the fact that you have three commissioners here today, says a lot for her,” said Mealy.
With so many deeds of service to her credit, which included state certifications, medical advisory board service, volunteer oversight and administration, service as a member of the city’s drone team, ongoing training and education, and an example of best practices through building bonds within the community, Flagler Beach Fire Chief Bobby Pace stood proudly by as Lt. Morgan Rainey accepted her award.
“She plays a pivotal role in the operations of the Flagler Beach Fire Department,” said Chief Pace of the 2014 Firefighter of the Year.
“Lt. Morgan Rainey’s attention to detail, work ethic, (and) professionalism cannot go without recognition. She is the future of the Flagler Beach Fire Department and she is an example of what this agency is striving to be. I am honored that Morgan would be recognized here today, to have her as a member of the department, but most importantly to call her a friend,” he said with obvious pride.
For Lt. Rainey, after nearly 10 years the motivation behind her service remains the same.
“In a nutshell, I know it sounds hokey but I do like helping people. You do get a certain joy out of giving and to have that align with your career and that public servant role, I enjoy it,” said Lt. Rainey.
“It’s exciting because I’ve been here a while and it’s nice to just see something like this happen,” she said. “I feel pretty honored to receive this, especially from Chief Pace, who was the last recipient.”
Serving as the ceremony’s emcee, Randall Morris thanked fellow member and former Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Feind for encouraging his community’s participation that helped bring the awards to the beachside town after many years.
“Today we’re privileged as a chapter of the national society in awarding a police officer and also a fire fighter for their contributions to the community,” said Morris. “We are really thrilled in the Flagler chapter to have this opportunity at Flagler Beach.”
Feind was pleased to see the agencies’ members recognized for their hard work and commitment to the city and residents.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to get the ball rolling to recognize two outstanding employees from Flagler Beach,” said Feind. “Oftentimes they get overlooked but they certainly are doing an outstanding job, and very, very worthy of these appreciation awards.”
Featured Image: Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution member Randall Morris joins Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci, Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey, Fire Chief Bobby Pace and former Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Feind, a member of the Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution, on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall to present first responder recognitions.
