Austin Ross, a 27-year-old Palm Coast resident hoping to become a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy, fell to the ground during a physical agilities test Monday morning, the first step toward becoming a recruit, and later died of a medical episode.
Ross, a local resident since 2021, had been a sales consultant with Palm Coast Ford for almost three years, earning a high salary, when he decided to find a career that was “more in line with my own morals and values,” he wrote in his Jan. 29 application for the Sheriff’s Office. He had previously lived in Maryland and attended college in West Virginia, moving to Palm Coast with family.
Ross had not yet made it through the recruiting process: the physical agilities test was essentially the first stop for potential recruits who, once they’d made it through the test, would then move on to an interview. There were about eight to 10 potential recruits taking the test Monday morning behind the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell, some of them looking to be deputies, some to be in corrections.
They were all participating in the “physical abilities test,” an eight-step model developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in line with national and industry models. “Components of the test were designed to simulate actual tasks and essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the job and are conducted in a continuous flow manner that is time-dependent in order to determine the participant’s level of physical condition and aerobic capacity while simulating the physical aspects of the job,” a two-page brief explaining the eight tasks of the test states.
The test includes tasks as basic as opening the trunk of a patrol car with a key to running 220 yards on a flat surface toward an obstacle course to the obstacle course itself, which includes scaling a 40-inch wall, running brief distances, crawling eight feet under a barrier, and so on: tasks that a deputy would likely be faced with in a typical day, either in part or in whole. Any portion of the course must be repeated if hurdles or pylons are knocked over.
The test also includes a sprint of 50 feet and the dragging of a 150-pound dummy 100 feet on a grassy surface, then back to the obstacle course and another 220-yard run. Latter steps include picking up a firearm and firing six rounds before returning to the car and going through basic steps there. All recruits sign a release saying they’re aware that the P.A.T., as it is referred to for short, “may be hazardous,” and that they relieve the agency of liability if the individual suffers any damage, “whether or not such damage, injury or death results from the Sheriff’s negligence.”
Ross had been going through the steps when he feel to his knees, seemingly out of breath, at 10:32 a.m., according to very spare dispatch notes from the 911 center. The notes include mention of Ross’s weight: 300 pounds (a family member told FlaglerLive he was at 280). He did not lose consciousness. He was provided water and paramedics were dispatched at 10:43. Paramedics requested more help, and three deputies were among those who provided Ross CPR, restoring his pulse before he was transported to the hospital. He died there that afternoon.
“This is a very tragic situation for the family, for our organization, we truly want everybody who comes to our process to be very, very successful. Our hearts go out to his family as well,” Sheriff’s Chief Mark Strobridge said this afternoon. “It is our understanding that it was his desire to become a law enforcement officer and this was the very first step in that process. As a result, the sheriff is going to make him an honorary deputy posthumously.”
Sheriff Rick Staly and the agency’s human resources team met with the other applicants after the incident, and offered mental health and other services to all participants–potential recruits as well as deputies at the training session.
The incident is reminiscent of the death of Sgt. Dominic Guida of the Bunnell Police Department in 2021, after a 19-year career with Bunnell and the Sheriff’s Office. Guida died of a heart attack during a training session with fellow-law enforcement officers, at the so-called burn tower on Justice Lane.
Angry Millenial says
Wonder if the Sheriff’s Department will be indicted for causing his death? Oh wait, they only do that to migrants.
Karen Bivone says
So young, So sad,,, prayers to his family and friends… May he RIP.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Why does the Sheriff’s staff even consider an applicant of average height who weighs 300 pounds? What happened to the height and weight standards that back in NYC in the day were mandatory?
Shannon says
As a close friend of the family this is just a department worried about how this situation may look on the outside. How about write some truth about Austin? Here are some excellent examples of the man he was: amazing friend, caring and compassionate, dedicated to anything he puts his mind to, a man who no loved his family more than himself, and the list goes on. I have many friends within the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department and I would encourage everyone to do better when describing or providing information.
Retiree says
Sounds like FCSO needs to take another look at their training program since the agency conducted the training in both instances.
Benjamin Belhumeur says
Austin was a good, well-meaning person. I became fairly-well acquainted with him last year when he assisted me in a vehicle purchase at PC Ford. The two of us being from generally the same area help create immediate rapport.
I am a retired US Marine and spent some time as an MP Patrol Supervisor and eventually a recruiter for the Marines. I mention this because of my experience in both recruiting and training Marines and law enforcement agents. The death of this young man calls into question [the appearance of] a lack of height/weight and or BMI standard for FCSO applicants. As a former law enforcement professional, I’m baffled that a man of Austin’s stature was allowed to begin the physical stages of the application process at all, as opposed to having been referred to requirements citing a reasonable BMI number, and told to reapply once he met those standards.
I can only speculate as to the cause of this tragedy, but it is well known that obesity wholly aggravates any other, potentially unknown, underlying problems and, in my opinion, undoubtedly attributed to Austin’s death. I do know that the Sheriff, a great man and leader of his Deputies, whom I’ve met on many occasions and fully support, shall get to the bottom of this tragedy and do everything in his power to ensure this never happens again , and helps bring honor to the otherwise completely needless course of events leading to this young man’s death.
Carol says
My prayers and condolences to his family and friends
Greg says
Very sad, but I see several quite heavy officers a the force. Maybe they should have to be prequalified every few years?
TR says
Sorry to hear that another young man died. But just looking at his picture he had some sore of medical condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol are a heart condition. All he may not have even known about. But the sheriff’s office should require major medical testing for things like this before allowing a person to try to go through the physical testing they are required as an officer. My condolences to the family of this young man who apparently was looking forward to becoming one of Flagler’s finest.
Take a good look says
This is such a very tragic event. My heart goes out to this poor man and his loved ones. This appears to be something though that could have been entirely preventable. Why does the Sheriffs department not have protocol in place such as requiring a medical screening/tests and physician examination before the potential recruits undergo this type of physical abilities test???? It seems like negligence on the department’s part to not put these measures into place. Where is the oversight???
Volare says
I would not want a partner like that.
Ric Flair says
A young man lost his life Jane. For once show a little class.
Elizabeth Hartopp says
Jason D. Kelce, football player, 6′ 3″, 295lb… Even elite athletes can weigh close to 300 pounds. Don’t be ignorant when a promising young man has lost his life.
Jay Tomm says
Might be my logical thinking but someone that weighs close to 300lbs should not be doing activities like the PAT.
It is a sad situation.
feddy says
I didn’t read anywhere in this article that there was a pre-screening physical that was required prior to starting training. This could possible caught something by monitoring heart rate while on a trend mill or bike. As far as a height and weight standards I agree there should be something outlined unless they new norm might consider that as unjust.
Angry Boomer says
If you would have read the entire article, maybe you might not have made such an ignorant comment. “All recruits sign a release saying they’re aware that the P.A.T., as it is referred to for short, “may be hazardous,” and that they relieve the agency of liability if the individual suffers any damage, “whether or not such damage, injury or death results from the Sheriff’s negligence.”
Just a thought says
You must be an awesome doctor to to be able to diagnose thing by looking at a picture. Do you see anything in the picture that points to ingrown toenails??
Bob Ziolkowski says
The dude was too big to be allowed to take the test to begin with. I appreciate his desire to become a public servant but how did he expect to complete such a test?! It is not his fault.
Shark says
How could he have passed an initial physical. Do they have one???
Jan says
I too was a friend of Austin, he was the kindness and caring young man I had the pleasure of knowing, I lost my husband a Marine station at camp lejuene, then became a police officer. Austin will always be loved he has a wonderful family and a very sweet fiance. I agree totally in your comments, I’m sure the honesty means a great deal to them.
TR says
They all went out the window because of the lack of number applicants applying for the job. They lowered the standards years ago. Besides this isn’t NYC
Tim says
I can tell you first hand that they push people to the limits. Half the damn instructors can’t even pass this on their own but the power trip they are on they push everyone else. It’s really sad.
Land of no turn signals says says
In this snow flake society we live in, a person can not be turned for color or race or even body composition.His drive for the future is commendable but training before this physical test would have been warranted.Turning him down until his BMI was at a better level would have perhaps saved his life.A sad loss.P.S to Angry Millenial the term is illegal migrant.
TR says
DUUUH, can’t tell because I can’t see his feet. Duh.
But based on your sarcastic comment. I would strongly suggest you go see a specialist because you
might have a brain tumor. LOL.
don miller says
you even need a physical to try out for HS football. This should be suit. Our protectors didn’t protect him. too busy photo opping for a drug arrest to think of this ahead of time. wearing 4 stars like a combat proven 4 star military general who has served in combat and commanded at least standing armies. and all their logistics.. really?
Again says
So because he was illegal that justifies what happened? Some of you people really give no thought before you make these comments. Maybe consider adding your full name to the comment so the community knows exactly the type of people that live in it.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Ric Flair – This young man should have been given help to lose weight before applying for a position which is known to put tremendous physical effort into the job. He would be alive today and probably on his way to a healthier life. Allowing a person so extremely overweight to do any form of stressful exercise is unconscionable, careless and shameful The Sheriff’s office needs to make weight and other health issue standards BEFORE not after exposing anyone to possible loss of life . I pray for his soul and hope the Sheriff’s Department immediately take action on setting healthy standards for employment before we have another incident- also in NYC if an officer gains weight at his weigh-in they were mandated to lose weight.
This could have, and should have, never ever happened.
A preventable tragedy
Doug says
Instead of being sympathetic to his unfortunate passing and wanting to do something positive in the community by becoming a Law Enforcement Officer, you have to throw in your unnecessary reference about NYC standards. Why is it that people like yourself and New Yorker’s in general always have to reference “back in New York?” If it’s so important to reference that cesspool, why did you leave in the first place? YOU’RE NOT IN NEW YORK JANET, and we don’t care how it’s done in NEW YORK either. Do use locals a favor and go back there.
Thomas Hutson says
Austin Ross
Now is not the time for finger pointing on what should have or could have been done to avoid this tragedy. A fine young man looking to accomplish his life’s dream lost his young life.
Now all residents of Flagler County are feeling the hurt for the loss of this young man. We need to support the family of Austin Ross and the members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s department. There will be time later when more facts are known to all of us, in order at that time, to make better judgements on responsibility and accountability.
Rest in Peace Deputy Austin Ross and may God Bless you on your patrols in heaven.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Doug – You sound like it’s just great that a young man died because he was subjected to what turned out to have caused his death! New York had standards to prevent such tragic loss of life which obviously is of n o concern to you. I hope his family seeks and gets some justice for his very unfortunate and very preventable death.
Sure appears that you don’t give a damn if another overweight applicant, not pre-medically cleared prior to going through this test , dies for any reason related to the testing that should have been avoided.
Our Armed Forces have standards but I am a total monster for wanting similar standards here in Flagler County to prevent any future senseless deaths
Ray W. says
Interestingly, the Cato Institute scoured Title 8, the chapter pertaining to immigration, for various terms contained in the title that define, describe, prescribe or proscribe immigration in its many and varied forms, as each of the sections and subsections that comprise the entire Title were adopted over the decades. Pertaining to individuals, the various terms set forth in the statutes are:
Illegal alien – 33 uses.
Unauthorized alien – 21 uses.
Undocumented alien – 18 uses.
Illegal immigrant – 6 uses.
Illegal entrant – 2 uses.
Undocumented migrant – 1 use.
Illegal migrant – 1 use.
In the plural setting, Title 8 sections and subsections use the phrase “illegal immigration” 93 times.
In an effort to bring uniformity to its pleadings in all federal courts, the Department of Justice issued a memorandum formalizing the use of the terms “undocumented non-citizen” or “undocumented non-U.S. citizen” or “undocumented individual” in all government pleadings throughout the country.
Given the passage of so many different immigration bills over multiple decades, written by different legislators, it seems plausible to me that different descriptive terms might have been used at different times, depending on the political themes of each era.
In summary, the least commonly used immigration term as it pertains to individual immigrants is “illegal migrant.” Technically, then, according to usage within the statutes, “illegal migrant” is the least commonly used term, alongside “undocumented migrant.” Therefore, in the least commonly accepted use of the various statutory terms, Land of no turn signals is accurate in his presentation.
This is a good example of how anyone, including myself, can be both right and wrong at the same time. This condition, or state of being, is but one of many reasons why many of my comments are phrased as questions, or posed as possibilities, or described as options among multiple options. Some commenters live in a perfect or bad world, so that to them there is only one right answer, and all other answers, by definition, are wrong. Here, there are many correct options, but no single right answer.
Doug says
And again, it’s tragic, but we’re not in NYC now are we? I have wonder why you left Miami-Dade county. Couldn’t get elected and spew your NYC views in South Florida? Get over yourself and how great things are in that cesspool, or move back. Please.
Doug says
Thank you. Well said.
bob says
Wrong Jane, wrong …. just because you write 3 paragraphs’ does not make stupid smart
Concerned Citizen says
I went into Law Enforcement right out of the service. My departments criteria during recruiting and after hire were just as strict. Looking at some of the Officers serving in this area now it is clear times have changed. And not for the better.
Benjamin Belhumeur says
Austin wasn’t 6’3…
FlaPharmTech says
I agree that a medical pre-screening must and should be required. This needless death of a young man rests on the shoulders of FCSO. Do better. My sympathy to his family and friends.
FlaPharmTech says
I strongly agree. His death was preventable.
FlaPharmTech says
Agreed. FCSO protocol for new recruits should and must not include a medical prescreening. Negligence?
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Doug you appear to approve of people dying unnecessarily due to the carelessness of others. I am proud of my schooling and experience I got from NYC growing up.
My sympathies go to this young man’s family and friends first and foremost yes ; we just don’t need a repeat performance of this kind of unnecessary tragedy.
Wow says
I agree. They should have known he needed to work up to taking such a strenuous test.
Doug says
On the contrary Jane. I have said in my opening response to your insensitive comments how tragic the loss of life is, but it appears you overlook that and NYC is more important. I’ll buy your one-way ticket back to that cesspool you left many years ago. Again Jane, the people who grew up in Flagler County don’t need to live by the standards set in NYC. Go back.