Seventy members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were honored during a quarterly awards ceremony Jan. 24 at the sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell.
Employees of the Month
- October/Communications Supervisor Amy Sisti. Sisti was commended for her actions after receiving a 9-1-1 call on Oct. 12 from a man who said he thought he had killed someone. The caller was in St Johns County but Sisti stayed on the line with him to gather information while another dispatcher contacted St John’s County authorities. Minutes later, the caller said he was going to shoot himself. Sisti tried to calm him and keep him talking. The call was transferred to St John’s County, which soon reported the man had shot himself. It was later determined the man had shot his stepdaughter to death in Brevard County.
- November/Det. Nicole Thomas. On Nov. 27, Thomas joined detectives from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in investigating a sexual assault against a woman found partially nude and bleeding near the Flagler/Volusia County line. The investigation led to the arrest of Obtravies Watkins. Thomas was instrumental in helping to identify the suspect’s vehicle, which led to the identity of the attacker.
- December/Crime Analyst Shannon Sandberg. Sandberg implemented the agency’s Intelligence Led Policing division and her attention to detail and expertise in analyzing crime trends and identifying likely persons of interest, coupled with her superlative organizational skills, has been key to the success of CRIMEMAPS and instrumental in the success of dozens of criminal investigations. She also received a Distinguished Service Certificate.
Certificates of Commendation/Lifesaving Award
- On Oct. 8, Dep. Philip Conway and Cpl. Joe Barile responded to a call involving a vehicle that had rolled several times and landed in mud and water. Iris Sciandra was pinned inside with her face submerged. Barile removed the windshield and relayed information to dispatch while Conway pulled Sciandra from the vehicle. Conway received the Lifesaving award while Barile received the Certificate of Commendation. Sciandra was on hand to personally thank both deputies.
- On Oct. 2, deputies were dispatched to an armed robbery at the Circle K Gas Station in Palm Coast. Dep. Daniel Parthemore was on special detail in Seminole Woods when he spotted a vehicle in a cul-de-sac and recognized the passenger in the car as matching the description of the suspect from the armed robbery.
- On Christmas Day, Dep. Philip Conway contacted Grand Oaks Health and Rehab Center to arrange a visit to those staying at the facility. Conway and Deputy Kocorowski visited the facility Christmas night and handed out Christmas cards to the residents.
Unit Citations
- Alpha Squad, ISD, and Communications Specialists. On Nov. 6, deputies tracked a stolen vehicle to Capri Trailer Park in Bunnell where they found Matthew Nesbitt asleep behind the wheel. Nesbitt awoke and sped away, nearly striking Deputy Jacob West. The vehicle was later found abandoned in the "Z" section of Palm Coast. A perimeter was set up and Nesbitt was ultimately arrested on multiple felony charges.
- Charlie Squad. The entire squad was recognized for proactive police work and teamwork in apprehending criminals, recovering stolen vehicles and seizing narcotics and firearms in multiple incidents.
- Delta Squad /Communications Specialists. On Dec. 26, workers at Taco Bell in Palm Coast were robbed at gunpoint. The suspect fled and was seen on State Road 100. Teamwork and good communication led to the eventual arrest of two suspects who also we identified as suspects in two other robberies in Volusia County. Taco Bell managers presented plaques to the deputies and dispatchers involved along with a check for $2,500 for the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust fund.
- On Dec. 26, units responded to 110 White Hall Drive in reference to a burglary and found something barricading the front door. Deputy Weston kicked in the front door to gain entry and found it rigged with an electrical device. The investigation revealed that the booby-trap was set by Michael Scott Wilson in an attempt to electrocute his estranged wife. Detectives tracked Wilson to Tennessee where he was taken into custody.
Retirement
Citizen Observer Patrol Capt. Louis Plank retired after 10 years of volunteer service. Plank put in 12,700 hours of service since 2008.
Years of Service awards
Five years -- Agustin Rodriguez, Benjamin Jurec, Franklin Gamarra, Ryan Emery, Jonathon Duenas; 15 years -- Heather Robinson; 20 years -- Gerry Ditolla.