BUNNELL, FL – Detective First Class Adam Gossett of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit was awarded the Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Flagler County on September 14, 2023. DFC Gossett received the award at the Crime Stoppers Annual Banquet which was held at the Daytona 500 Club within Daytona International Speedway. In addition, DFC Gossett was also FCSO’s Deputy of the Year for 2022.
DFC Gossett was nominated for the award for his role in saving the lives of two children who were involved in a severe motor vehicle crash on April 4, 2022, on Interstate 95. DFC Gossett sprang into action and located two injured children leaning against the crashed vehicle which had caught fire and carried them away. Since he was off duty at the time, DFC Gossett did not have any emergency equipment with him and removed his shirt to help stop one of the severely injured childrens bleeding. On-duty emergency responders soon responded to the scene and were able to help extinguish the fire. The children were transported for medical treatment, and several others on the scene were treated as well. DFC Gossett’s heroic actions very likely prevented the victims from succumbing to their injuries.
“Detective First Class Gossett went above and beyond the call of duty to help save the lives of those children – even when he was off duty,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “DFC Gossett embodies the spirit and service to our community and is in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement. We are proud of his continued accomplishments and I am honored to have him representing FCSO. I also commend Retired Bunnell PD Reserve Detective Sergeant Harry Kuleski, Jr for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
DFC Gossett has served with FCSO since 2018 and is currently assigned to the Investigative Services Division – Major Case Unit.