2020 Flagler Sheriff's Gala

Supporting Those Who Serve

It’s one of the most well-attended events in Flagler County, selling out months before the annual January gala takes place, and has organizer Frank DeAngelo, the retired CEO of AppleJam, Inc, thinking about how to expand the event next year.

The Flagler Sheriff’s Gala, now in its third year, opens the event season in Flagler County, and it’s one that everyone in the community can get behind. All funds raised support the employees of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office through the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust, or FSEAT.

Assisting FCSO employees confidentially during times of need, DeAngelo calls the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust the gofundme account for members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office before they need a fundraiser, and FSEAT has raised over $200,000 since its inception in 2017.

“It is important that our men and women of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office know their community has their back. FSEAT will be there for them in their time of need and tragedies. God help that day never comes,” said DeAngelo, thankful for the generosity of the community.

Opening their checkbooks, guests like Ali Kargar, Corporate Vice President of ICI Homes, says it’s easy to support the men and women who keep the community safe.

“It’s one of the biggest initiatives for Flagler County to take care of their (Sheriff’s Office) employees, and we admire that,” said Kargar. “They have done such a wonderful job of protecting the community that we want to be a part of it.”

DeAngelo, also known as “The Godfather” is one of three directors of the trust fund, and serves alongside retired attorney Don Madden and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief Mark Strobridge.

“I think we are the must attend event in Flagler County,” said Madden. “This supports all employees of the Sheriff’s Office, which encompasses the frontline deputies and the support staff. This is a safety net and I like to think that this trust is the community’s response to the Sheriff’s Office.”

Strobridge works directly with FSCO employees who need the confidential assistance and says the strong support of the community helps strengthen the bond between the employees and the public they serve.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve had medical problems, issues with difficulties as a result of unforeseen events in people’s lives and we were able to go in and help them,” said Strobridge.

Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“I just couldn’t be more pleased with the support from the community and our men and women of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Staly, who created the trust three years ago. “The community coming together and supporting this event is just phenomenal.”

In addition to dinner and entertainment, the evening’s program featured award presentations for the 2019 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year Sgt. Jon Reckenwald, Detention Deputy of the Year Deputy William Kennedy, Civilian Employee of the Year Ashlie Hicks, Volunteer of the Year Chaplain Juan Schembri, and Citizens of the Year Chris Parks and Chalyn Parks, by Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly.

“I think (our employees) see not only the community supporting them but I get to recognize some great work, and this sums up the entire year in 2019,” said Staly. “We have a great community that supports their Sheriff’s Office .

Flagler Sheriff’s Employees Give Back Too

Giving back as part of the effort, Flagler Sheriff’s Office employees make a contribution with each paycheck to the trust fund with dedicated payroll deductions.

During the 3rd Annual Flagler Sheriff’s Gala, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, on behalf of the men and women of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, was proud to present a check for their contribution of $24,764.

Business Sponsors and Donors Do Their Part

In addition to purchasing tickets and making donations to the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust, businesses help support the evening by donating auction items.

In 2020 the auction including coveted items such as tickets for country music superstar Jason Aldean, Flagler Tiger Bay Club memberships, one-of-a-kind artwork and more.

If your business would like to sponsor or contribute to the 4th Annual Flagler Sheriff’s Gala event or silent auction set for January 23, 2021, please contact Frank DeAngelo at frank@fseat.org.

Honoring Those Who Serve

2019 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year is Sergeant Jon Reckenwald

Sergeant Jon Reckenwald performed the Heimlich maneuver several times while a man was choking and was able to dislodge the obstruction. Sgt. Reckenwald’s actions ultimately saved the man’s life. For this, Sergeant Jon Reckenwald is FCSO’s 2019 Deputy of the Year.

2019 Detention Deputy of the Year is Deputy William Kennedy

Detention Deputy William Kennedy has been instrumental in integrating new processes in the Booking Area of the jail. For his Punctuality, Knowledge, Positive Attitude and Initiative, Detention Deputy William Kennedy is FCSO’s 2019 Detention Deputy of the Year.

2019 Civilian Employee of the Year is Communications Specialist Ashlie Hicks

Communications Specialist Ashlie Hicks noticed a house fire on her way to work in April and awoke the residents inside and brought them to safety. Ashlie helped potentially save the lives the 3 residents despite placing herself in the dangerous conditions. For this Ashlie Hicks is FCSO’s 2019 Civilian Employee of the Year.

2019 Volunteer of the Year is Chaplain Juan Schembri

Juan Schembri is a volunteer chaplain for the FCSO. In July, Chaplain Schembri assisted Deputy Conway at a traffic stop where the occupants were being uncooperative with law enforcement. He stood by until additional units arrived. For his selflessness, Chaplain Juan Schembri is FCSO’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year.

2019 Citizens of the Year are Chris Parks and Chalyn Parks

Chris and Chalyn Parks are great supporters of and volunteers for the FCSO “SWEAT” program at the jail designed to steer juveniles in the right direction. For their dedication to and mentorship of the youth in our community, Chris and Chalyn are FCSO’s 2019 Citizens of the Year.