The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office made it official today: Cmdr. David Williams, who’s been with the agency since 2001, was named the liaison to Palm Coast, replacing Mark Carman, who’s to be the police chief in Crescent City.
Williams’s announcement was expected, and was originally reported here on Jan. 2. But the appointment had to be ratified by Palm Coast, which pays the liaison’s salary. The position as Carman held it on and off for two decades (his title and bosses changed a few times along the way) was often seen to be similar to that of the Palm Coast precinct’s chief. But a different commander, Gerry Ditolla, oversees the Palm Coast District and its deputies.
The city contracts with the sheriff to provide policing in Palm Coast, paying for those services as well as for the liaison’s position.
“Commander Williams is a staple of this community and I know that he will do a wonderful job in representing our agency and working with the Palm Coast City Council and city manager to ensure public safety,” Sheriff Staly was quoted as saying in a release announcing the appointment today. “Commander Williams has the personality and demeanor necessary for the job and I believe he will be the perfect fit for this position.”
Affable, highly visible and often seen on his motorcycle in the past, Williams will also be responsible for special events from the sheriff’s perspective. He previously served as the Sergeant of the agency’s Motor Unit before being promoted to Commander over the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit in 2018. He has participated in countless community events. Last spring he graduated from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Leadership Academy.
“Commander Williams already knows our community inside and out,” Mayor Milissa Holland said. “He’s handled the preparations for many special events here and has attended many City Council meetings, so I know this will be a seamless transition. We look forward to continuing our excellent partnership with Sheriff Rick Staly and his agency to provide law enforcement services to the residents and visitors of Palm Coast.”
The quality of that relationship is no small matter to the mayor: The council is currently reviewing applications from city manager applicants as it seeks to replace Jim Landon, whom it fired last year. During a four-hour discussion on applicants today, one application drew Holland’s attention: that of former Sheriff Jim Manfre. Holland then all but vetoed the application, saying Manfre doesn’t have a good relationship with the current sheriff to make his application viable.
Deborah Girdwood says
Cingratulations David. Great person to have around.
Armando says
Congratulations David.
Right says
Congrats Cmdr. Williams. And Thank you Mayor Holland for realizing Jim Manfre is not a fit in the palm coast government puzzle just as he wouldn’t be in the county administrators job he also applied for.
next election says
Does anyone get along with sheriff Staly? He wont talk to people or refuses to communicate. Maybe if they start bowing in his presence he will speak to them.
Denise Caldeewood says
Congratulations Commanded Williams you will be an asset to the city in your new position. Enjoy the meetings!
Maida McCabe says
A class act! Congratulations Dave.
Steve says
Nice job
rst says
Couldn’t ask for a better guy. Way to go David.
palmcoaster says
Congratulations Mr. Williams.
Pete Celestino says
Congratulations David. Wishing you the best.
Cindy says
Congratulations Dave! Well deserved!!
Realist says
Commander Williams is a wonderful guy. Pleased he is moving up. Sheriff Staly leaves a lot to be desired. He never met a microphone he did not like. Cannot wait to vote against him when he runs for re-election.
Jones Marva says
Congratulations Commander Williams. Your professionalism and hard work is an asset to us all.
Your neighbors, Bj and Marva Jones
weldon ryan says
Congratulations Commander Williams! I’m certain that you will make a great liaisons to the City of Palm Coast as you’ve served our community with with the utmost care and professionalism. You are certainly deserving of this appointment!
Michael Van Buren says
Dave, I’m sure you will do a great job of keeping the city happy. Just pay more attention to detail then you did when you took over the motor unit and you will do fine.
Janet Cowan says
Congratulations on your new job! What a pleasure it has been to know you! You deserve all the best!