PALM COAST, Fla. – It’s not every day your Sheriff gets to deputize national performing artist Lee Greenwood, but on Thursday night, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly did just that.

Taking the oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and the State of Florida Greenwood vowed that Flagler County residents could count on him.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and singer Lee Greenwood, January 23, 2025 at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. Photo: Danielle Anderson/Flagler News Weekly

While the title is purely honorary, Staly shared that the honor had only been bestowed a dozen times in his 8 years as Sheriff.

“Tonight, I had the honor of making him an honorary deputy,” shared Staly. “He has been such a staunch supporter of law enforcement, really throughout my career, and he allowed us to use my favorite song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” during the 150th anniversary of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and then also he allowed us to play the song as we remember fallen heroes both in Flagler County since I’ve been Sheriff here, and in Orange County when I was Under Sheriff.”

Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Director Amelia Fulmer welcomes Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and local vocalist Vincent Cautero to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on January 23, 2025 to see national recording artist Lee Greenwood. Photo: Danielle Anderson/Flagler News Weekly

Attending the show with Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief Mark Strobridge and his wife Bedy, Staly was grateful to Greenwood for his heartfelt patriotism.

“Not only did I want to hear him, but I thought this would be a great opportunity to recognize him and thank him for standing up for America.”

Greenwood, whose performances over past week have included the presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., was in Palm Coast for a one night only show at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, according to Director Amelia Fulmer.

Near capacity with enthusiastic concert goers, attendee Vincent Cautero has a special place in his heart for Greenwood and was excited to see him in person.

“It’s just great. I always have the honor and opportunity to sing “God Bless the U.S.A.” for the veterans,” he said proudly. “It’s just great to be here to see Lee himself, Mr. Greenwood.”

The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center welcomes ABBACADABRA, The Ultimate ABBA Tribute on February 7, 2025 at 7 PM. For more information visit. www.FlaglerEntertainment.com.

Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Director Amelia Fulmer, Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly, Lee Greenwood, Bedy Strobridge, Chief Mark Strobridge. Photo: Danielle Anderson/Flagler News Weekly