In a hastily arranged ceremony Monday morning Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming appointed Maj. David O’Brien, a 29-year-veteran of the department, his chief deputy. O’Brien replaces Rick Look, 63, who left the agency he’d served since 2005 on disability last year, after suffering various ailments.
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“I am humbled by the faith you have placed in me taking on this new responsibility within the agency,” O’Brien said in prepared remarks delivered at the department Monday. “It is a role in which I hold with great responsibility and I am ready to stand with each and every one of you and meet the challenges of the day.”
Thanking the ranking and file at the agency, O’Brien quoted Winston Churchill, Britain’s leader during the last world war, saying: “Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.” O’Brien added, to the rank and file: “We thank you for the courage that you show each and every day. It is our responsibility to ensure we provide you with the tools that will keep you as safe as possible.”
O’Brien, 48, began his law enforcement career at the jail when the agency was headquartered in the old Flagler County jail off State Road 100 in Bunnell, in a building built with Works Progress Administration labor during the 1940s. O’Brien transferred to the road patrol division, and in 1991 became the first full-time motorcycle deputy for the Sheriff’s Office. He was promoted in 2001 to head up the first full-time Narcotics Investigation Division. He was promoted to Captain and then Major to lead the entire Criminal Investigation Division and, later, the Administrative Division, before taking over the Operations Division of the department. O’Brien is a 2007 graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico.
“We need someone who can maintain consistency in operations in my absence,” Fleming said. “I believe Chief O’Brien brings that to this post. He has shown he can take on added responsibility and he has done an excellent job.”
Fleming has been sheriff since 2005. He’s in a tough re-election battle this year, facing two opponents in the Republican primary so far, and, if he survives that, a potential rematch with former Sheriff Jim Manfre, whom Fleming defeated in 2008. Fleming has needed a boost to his image recently: he’s been on the receiving end of negative press because of his role in the Fischer affair—the half dozen calls he exchanged with John Fischer, the school board member, in the hours after Fischer’s wife struck a 76-year-old woman (who subsequently died) in November. Fischer’s wife, Jamesine, was charged by the State Attorney’s office earlier this week with leaving the scene of an accident with a death involved.
O’Brien, for his part, is usually behind the scenes. Not lately: the revelation that he would be marrying Flagler County Commissioner Milissa Holland—whom he’d pulled over years ago, when he was a road deputy—generated its own headlines. The couple is marrying in April.
O’Brien isn’t saying whether he has ambitions to be sheriff. But the chief’s position, like the vice presidency, is a lead-in to a run for the top job.
“I look forward to working with each and every one of you because we don’t operate independently of each other but we work collaboratively so that we can provide the necessary service to protect the citizens of Flagler County.,” O’Brien said.
Shawn Taylor via Facebook says
Fleming needs to change himself!
Rick Wright says
I will never vote for you again Sheriff Fleming. This was the single worst political decision you could have made. Why because he is dating Melissa Holland?
Sheriff, do you not think for a second that someone in your ranks, your upper ranks are the ones who tipped off the media about your phone calls with John Fischer? I’m not pointing fingers, but you do realize he was Manfre Acting Undersheriff and his do boy right?
Sham, Sham, Sham…..
FLATTRUTH says
This was a political move plain and simple. Fleming is as crafty as he is shifty. During the last election he suddenly hired back Cpt. Carmen to get the votes from the city. Now he appoints a Chief Deputy that is marrying the Melissa Holland…..once again to get votes. This time it won’t be enough to save him.
Jack Howell says
Congratulations are in order for David OBrien. David has the proven qualities of a strong leader. Further, he hs thr respect of the deuties. Daivd brings the full package to thr Flagler County Sheriff’ Office. .
David, Be Safe!
Anonymous says
@Rick Wright, Fleming doesn’t see what’s right in front of him. OBrien is the proverbial fox in the henhouse. Just watch.
w.ryan says
Congrats to Chief O’Brien.
Martha says
Rick Wright,
Perhaps his almost 30 years in public service had something to do with it?
Bullgator2410 says
30 years in public service?! Isn’t that politics, 30 years of politics equals what?! Yep, his 30 years of public service has garnered him enough leverage for the job ;-)
Haw Creek Girl says
You know the old saying you can BS anyone for 15 mins but after that you better know what you’re doing. Me, personally, I’m hanging on.