A retired Flagler County deputy was awarded the Medal of Heroism Tuesday for his bravery in saving a fellow officer’s life.
After 40 years of service, Undersheriff Rick Staly recently retired from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Staly was nominated for the Medal of Heroism by his wife for an incident that occurred in 1978 when he served as a Deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
He and fellow Deputy Edwin Sarver responded to a disturbance call at a gas station in Pine Hills and when they arrived the suspect had already left the scene.
The suspect was located a short time later by a Florida State Trooper who called for assistance.
Deputies Staly and Sarver went to the location, and while attempting to apprehend the suspect, an altercation ensued. During the struggle, the suspect managed to take control of Deputy Sarver’s gun and point it at Deputy Sarver.
Seeing another officer’s life was in danger, Deputy Staly put his own life in jeopardy and ended up being shot three times in the chest and arms.
The suspect was apprehended by the other officers.
The award was presented to Retired Flagler County Undersheriff Rick Staly during Wednesday’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet
“Retired Undersheriff Rick Staly did not hesitate to risk his life to protect a fellow officer and I am honored to recognize his tremendous courage today with the Medal of Heroism. Rick served Florida families as a law enforcement officer for 40 years, and I am thankful to him and his fellow officers for their selfless commitment to protecting our state,” said Governor Rick Scott.
“It is an honor to be presented with the Medal of Heroism by Governor Scott. During my years of law enforcement service, I worked alongside countless brave men and women who also deserve to be recognized as heroes and I am proud to represent them today,” said Staly.
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet with retired Flagler County Undersheriff Rick Staly and his family, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. (PHOTO/Florida Governor's Office)