Flagler County issues proclamations for fire prevention, domestic violence awareness and 4‑H week; Fire Rescue honors lifesaving crews

Chair Andrew Dance and the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 6 adopted three proclamations recognizing Fire Prevention Week, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National 4‑H Week and heard awards and program updates from county agencies.

Fire Rescue Chief Mike Tucker presented lifesaving awards to Rescue Supervisor Beau Krutoff and paramedics Marcus Ellis and Sebastian Bowden for an August response in which rescuers found a patient in cardiac arrest, performed CPR and advanced life support, transported the patient and regained spontaneous circulation; the patient was later diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and discharged home.

Chief Tucker told the commission the department responded to more than 20,000 calls last year and praised the crew for the resuscitation: "The patient survived and was discharged from the hospital and is now home, enjoying her family." He also noted Krutoff is a graduate of the Flagler Palm Coast Fire Leadership Academy and described the paramedics’ training paths.

The board then approved a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week with a focus on lithium‑ion battery safety. The proclamation notes the rise in battery‑related fires and urges residents to "buy only listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly" and cites the 2025 National Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge Into Fire Safety.

Commissioner Richardson read a proclamation declaring October 2025 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and invited Family Life Center staff to the podium. Candice Wilkie, domestic violence services coordinator for the Family Life Center, outlined events and services planned for October, including a free Rise Up Against Domestic Violence conference at Daytona State College and an open house on Oct. 28. Wilkie said the Family Life Center provided more than 5,800 hours of service to victims over the past year and thanked the board for its support.

The board also proclaimed National 4‑H Week in Flagler County. Hope Musgrove, Flagler County 4‑H agent, described 4‑H activities that reach county youth, including community and school clubs, summer camps, public speaking contests and the county’s livestock show. Musgrove said 4‑H served more than 300 youth in Flagler County in 2024–25 with the help of more than 40 volunteers.

Each proclamation was adopted by unanimous vote. The board paused for photo opportunities with award recipients and representatives from the Family Life Center and 4‑H.

Ending: Commissioners directed county staff to continue outreach tied to those proclamations, and the Family Life Center and 4‑H said they would provide event details and registration to the public.