- November 28, 2024
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A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office sergeant involved in an altercation at Finn's Beachside Pub in May has been demoted and reassigned following an internal investigation.
The investigation found that former Sgt. Michael Breckwoldt had violated three policies: use of alcohol while off duty, unbecoming conduct, and use of agency vehicles. The FCSO has demoted Breckwoldt to corporal, effective Aug. 28, and placed him on probation for the next 18 months, according to a press release from the FCSO.
I’m glad to see that he is committed to his treatment program and was cooperative and apologetic, and we wish him success. However, if any future violation occurs, his employment will be terminated.”
— RICK STALY, Flagler County sheriff
During the internal investigation, Breckwoldt admitted he had a drinking problem and used alcohol to deal with the stress of his job, according to his internal investigation report.
Last May, Flagler Beach Police officers found Breckwoldt intoxicated and asleep in a chair outside Finn's Beachside Pub, in Flagler Beach. Another pub patron told the officers Breckwoldt "chest bumped" him earlier in the evening, though FBPD officers ultimately found no indication of criminal wrongdoing.
Sheriff Rick Staly ordered the internal investigation immediately following FBPD's criminal investigation.
During his internal investigation interview, Breckwoldt said he did not remember much of the evening beyond what he was told, according to the report. The night of the incident, he'd driven to a restaurant in his agency vehicle after work, then to Finn's Beachside Pub. A receipt showed Breckwoldt had purchased four Jameson drinks and two beers.
Breckwoldt chose to attend and completed Shatterproof — a first-responder patient treatment program — in June, while the internal investigation was ongoing. He has not had a drink since, according to the report.
The FCSO transferred Breckwoldt to the Major Case Unit, and he has signed a last-chance agreement: If he violates any policy during his probation period, he will be terminated without appeal.
Staly said he knows alcohol abuse can happen in law enforcement because of the stress of the job, but he was "extremely disappointed" with Breckwoldt's behavior off-duty.
“It is my responsibility to protect the public’s trust in our agency,” Staly said. "I’m glad to see that he is committed to his treatment program and was cooperative and apologetic, and we wish him success. However, if any future violation occurs, his employment will be terminated.”
