(Flagler County, FL) – The Flagler County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awarded a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) K-9 Deputy Sheriff with the SAR Life Saving Medal in a special ceremony at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center February 2. FCSO K-9 Deputy First Class (DFC) Marcus Dawson was selected for his heroic actions on October 17, 2021 when he saved a three-year-old boy from a burning home.
DFC Dawson was the first to arrive on the scene of the fire and immediately began to search the W-section residence and call out for anyone trapped inside. While putting his own life at risk, he would eventually find the child hiding under a blanket in a bedroom. DFC Dawson quickly carried him to safety.
“We are proud of law enforcement deputies like DFC Dawson and the impact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has on our communities,” said Flagler County Chapter of the SAR President Charles Hayes. “This is the first lifesaving SAR medal awarded in Flagler County.”
The SAR Life Saving Medal is presented to those individuals who have acted to save a human life without necessarily placing their own life, or themselves, in permanent danger. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and FCSO staff were on hand for the presentation.
“DFC Dawson made a difference in the lives of that young child, his family and the community,” Sheriff Staly said. “These kind of heroic stories from within the FCSO family truly inspire the men and women who serve Flagler County each day. Thank you to the Flagler County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for helping honor him.” DFC Dawson is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
The SAR is proud of its long-lasting military ties to not only Flagler County, but the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office itself.
Sheriff Staly is an active member of the SAR. He is an eighth-generation American who traces his roots to Brigadier General George Godfrey, Sr. who served during the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. Sheriff Staly is also a direct descendant of William Hooper, a delegate from North Carolina who signed the Declaration of Independence.
“I’m very proud to know that my family played an active role in the birth of our nation,” Sheriff Staly said. “I am very proud of my family’s rich heritage of standing up for people and serving our country. A tradition I am proud to continue today. A tradition we carry on today at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.”
Date: 2-3-22
Prepared by: Don Foley
Release #: 2022-003
