A detention deputy from Flagler County was arrested in Daytona Beach on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge shortly after the New Year. Sara Radford, a Detention Deputy First Class and former “Detention Deputy of the Year,” was taken into custody following an altercation involving another intoxicated individual.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Radford and the victim were both under the influence when the incident occurred. The arrest happened around midnight as they were walking in Daytona Beach. Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge provided details, stating, “From what we know, it appears that both Detention Deputy First Class Radford and the victim were intoxicated late in the night after celebrating the New Year, and while walking in Daytona Beach an argument occurred and an arrest was made.”
Following her arrest, the sheriff’s office announced that Radford has been suspended without pay. An internal investigation will begin once the criminal case concludes. “We will let the criminal justice system play out, which gives her due process just like anybody else,” Strobridge emphasized.
Sheriff Rick Staly has reinforced the expectation that all employees adhere to the law and represent the agency positively, even when off duty. Radford has been with the Flagler Sheriff’s Office since August 2011 and was recognized as the Detention Deputy of the Year in 2022 for her service.
The incident has raised concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement personnel, particularly in situations involving alcohol and domestic disputes. As the investigation unfolds, the sheriff’s office aims to address any potential implications for agency policies and employee conduct.
This incident highlights the importance of accountability within law enforcement agencies. The outcome of both the criminal proceedings and the internal review will be closely monitored by the community and officials alike.
