- November 21, 2024
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by: Cmdr. Mike Lutz, FCSO Community Engagement & Public Affairs
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is pleased to announce that Community Policing Division Master Deputy Crista Rainey was selected as the 2022 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA). The award was presented on July 26, 2022 at the FSA Summer Conference of Florida Sheriff’s by FSA President and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum.
This prestigious award is presented annually to a Florida Deputy Sheriff who has shown bravery, service and honor in the line of duty. MD Rainey, a nine-year law enforcement veteran, has been nominated for several awards in the last year after two successful life-saving events and an apprehension of a violent fugitive and career felon suspected of murder. She exemplifies a life of dedicated service, acts of kindness, and compassion both personally and professionally.
In 2015, MD Rainey joined FCSO as part of the Community Policing Division after working as a patrol officer with the Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD). She was nominated for always demonstrating exemplary proactive patrol skills and for her remarkable leadership abilities. She was selected to serve as a Field Training Officer where she is committed to training new deputies joining the agency. Aside from her dedication to serving and protecting Flagler County as a Deputy Sheriff, MD Rainey also volunteers her time with the Special Olympics, Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities, and Surfers for Autism.
“MD Rainey has been excelling in her career with the FCSO and we are honored to have her as part of our team,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Her proactive approach to policing and her ability to stay calm in the midst of critical incidents is remarkable. MD Rainey played a huge role in several life-saving incidents in 2021, including a suicidal juvenile attempting to jump from an overpass bridge. She also had to overpower a violent felon attempting to grab his hidden firearm while being detained during a traffic stop. With a track record for proactive enforcement combined with her professional and positive attitude, she is very deserving of this award. We are proud of her commitment to keeping our community safe and she exemplifies the role of a Florida Deputy Sheriff!”
Of the four prestigious FSA awards given annually to members of Florida Sheriff’s Offices, this is the third time an FCSO employee has been recognized statewide. “These are very competitive awards and very difficult to receive,” added Sheriff Staly. “Being selected for 3 of the top 4 awards presented by the Florida Sheriff’s Association in one year is a huge recognition for our Agency and a reflection of the professionalism and dedicated employees we have serving our community.”
Prior recipients are: Communications Specialist McKenzie Davis – 2021 Dispatcher of the Year Detention Deputy First Class Paul Luciano – 2022 Corrections Officer of the Year (posthumously)
This year Sheriff Staly also nominated RTCC Supervisor Nikki North for FSA’s Civilian of the Year award. While Supervisor North was not selected for the top award, she was selected as the Runner-Up.
To watch an FSA video of why MD Rainey was selected this year’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, click here: https://vimeo.com/thenameisframe/review/728986630/0828628cb2 #
