PALM COAST, Fla. – On May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day, Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club held its 18th Annual Law Enforcement Luncheon. Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Scardigno offered a prayer. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly spoke about lives lost by those in law enforcement, and about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.. It honors over 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty. So far this year, 55 law enforcement officers have died, including one officer and one K-9 in Florida
Kiwanian Frank Consentino began the ceremony with an appropriate poem that he had written. Sheriff Staly spoke about local law enforcement and crime. He reported that the three local jurisdictions work well together, and since 2017, crime in Flagler County is down more than 50%. He reported that assault and battery offenses are down 23%, weapons offenses down 30%, and sex offenses down 10%. However, stalking has increased 50%, violations of injunctions 78%, and shoplifting 87%.
Kiwanian Consentino then awarded plaques. However, the three honorees were not able to be present. Detective Jeff Traylor, Bunnell Police Department, was represented by Chief David Brannon. Flagler Beach Police Department Officer Maria Guerrero, who was out of town working, was represented by Chief Matt Doughney. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Detention Corporal Peter Descartes was represented by Sheriff Rick Staly, who described Corporal Descartes’ actions that prevented an inmate suicide. Both Det. Traylor and Corporal Descartes were in Washington, D.C. at The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, participating in activities honoring fallen officers.
Before the meeting ended, Kiwanian and Navy Veteran Consentino was asked to talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. as part of a First Coast Honor Flight. He described a long and busy day of being honored, and visiting many meaningful memorials, a day he won’t forget.
Photos credit Tony Andrade
