The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 20 to name the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Operations Center the "Sheriff Rick Staley Law Enforcement Center." The motion, made by Commissioner Leanne Pennington and seconded by Commissioner Carney, passed by unanimous voice/roll-call vote.

The measure drew both support and objection at a public hearing. Charles Hayes, a Flagler County resident and U.S. Army veteran, told commissioners, "I am in favor of this motion," and praised the sheriff's leadership and the office's professionalism. David Williams, a 23-year retired deputy with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, urged the board to continue the county tradition of honoring individuals who made a lasting impact, calling Staley "one of the greatest sheriffs to serve our county." Steve Canfield, president of the Flagler Gun and Archery Club, said it was appropriate to honor a leader "while they're still here to enjoy our accolades."

Representing the Dorrance family, Jessica Dorrance Westbrook objected to the naming and asked the board to reconsider in favor of honoring Deputy George Durance, a deputy who died in the line of duty in 1927. "We respectfully oppose the proposing naming of Flagler County Sheriff's Operations Center after Rick Staley," Westbrook said, arguing a different naming would better reflect historical sacrifice and community heritage.

Raymond Royer, a resident and retired firefighter, also opposed renaming the building, saying the county should reserve building namings for line-of-duty deaths and consider a plaque or other in-building recognition instead.

County staff and commissioners noted the county naming policy and discussed potential future revisions to make the process clearer. Chair Andrew Dantz said the county's official naming policy was followed for the Staley request and invited the Dorrance family to submit a separate naming request under the county process. The board's recorded motion language was to "approve item 8a: request to name the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Operations Center for Sheriff Rick Staley Law Enforcement Center."

The vote was called by roll; available roll-call entries show Commissioner Carney and Commissioner Richardson voting aye and Chair Andrew Dantz voting aye; the motion was recorded as carrying unanimously.

The board did not adopt any changes to the naming policy at the meeting; commissioners discussed returning to the policy language to clarify treatment of current officeholders and of those killed in the line of duty.

What happens next: The new name will be used for the facility consistent with county processes for signage and records. Commissioners also encouraged families who wish a separate memorial for fallen deputies to pursue the county's naming application process.

Ending: The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote. No ordinance or statutory change was proposed in connection with the naming; the action was an adoption of a county resolution under the county's existing naming policy.