by: Cmdr. Mike Lutz, FCSO Community Engagement and Public Affairs
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is pleased to announce that Community Policing Division Senior Deputy Crista Rainey has been 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 Sheriffs by FSA Chairman and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum.
This prestigious award is presented annually to a Florida Deputy Sheriff who has displayed bravery, service and honor in the line of duty. MD Rainey, a nine-year law enforcement veteran, was nominated for multiple awards last year after two successful rescue events and the arrest of a violent fugitive and career criminal suspected of murder . It exemplifies a life of dedicated service, acts of kindness and compassion, both personally and professionally.
In 2015, MD Rainey joined the FCSO within the Community Policing Division after working as a patrol officer with the Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD). She was nominated for consistently demonstrating exemplary proactive patrol skills and for her outstanding leadership abilities. She was selected to fill the position of Field Training Officer where she is committed to training new assistants joining the agency. In addition to his dedication to serving and protecting Flagler County as Deputy Sheriff, MD Rainey also volunteers with the Special Olympics, Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities, and Surfers for Autism.
“MD Rainey has excelled in his career with the FCSO and we are honored to have him on our team,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “His proactive approach to policing and his ability to remain calm in the midst of critical incidents are remarkable. MD Rainey played a huge role in several vital incidents in 2021, including a suicidal juvenile attempting to jump off an overpass bridge. She also had to subdue a violent criminal who tried to grab his hidden firearm while he was being held in a traffic stop. With a proactive enforcement track record combined with her professional and positive attitude, she is well 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 and very difficult awards to receive,” Sheriff Staly added. “To be selected for 3 of the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s top 4 awards in one year is huge recognition for our agency and a reflection of the professionalism and dedicated employees we have serving our community.”
Previous recipients are: Communications Specialist McKenzie Davis – 2021 Detention Dispatcher of the Year Deputy First Class Paul Luciano – 2022 Correctional Officer of the Year (posthumously)
This year, Sheriff Staly also nominated RTCC Supervisor Nikki North for the FSA Civilian of the Year award. Although Supervisor North was not selected for the top prize, she was selected as a runner-up.
To watch a video from the FSA explaining why MD Rainey was selected as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year this year, click here: https://vimeo.com/thenameisframe/review/728986630/0828628cb2#
