In the latest in a series of changes at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Commander Robert “Bob” Weber announced that he will retire effective April 30, 2015. The announcement was made in a press release issued Wednesday, comes two weeks after the announcement of Undersheriff Rick Staly’s retirement later this month, and a week after the appointment of Jeff Hoffman as chief deputy.
Weber, who joined the sheriff’s office in March 2001, in the early days of the first administration of Sheriff Jim Manfre, headed the two-person public information office, and was not eager to be part of the political swirls of the coming election season. Manfre says he will run again, but he will face a tough reelection campaign as several candidates are lining up to run against him. Those considering a run include former Sheriff Don Fleming and Greg Feldman, who ran for state Senate last year and is a retired law enforcement officer.
Over the past 14 years, Weber served the agency as a patrol supervisor and investigations supervisor. The Sheriff’s office is not saying who, if anyone, will be replacing Weber in his role in the community outreach division. Weber was brought on to supervise the public information office immediately after Manfre was elected, at a time when Debbie Johnson had been running that office since the first Manfre administration. Johnson was among the numerous sheriff’s employees pushed out. She left in early 2013 and was replaced by Paula Priester.
By month’s end, none of Manfre’s top staff who started his current administration with him–Staly, Weber, investigative division chief Jack Bisland, Human Resources’ Robert Crouse, senior Cmdr. David O’Brien–will still be at the office. Several left or were fired a while ago. The names don’t include numerous other long-time sheriff’s employees who’ve also left, been fired or pushed out in what has been, personnel-wise, a tumultuous three years at the agency.
According to the news release, Weber began his law enforcement career in 1973 and served for 23 years with the Briarcliff Manor Police Department in Westchester County New York. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1996 and earned his Master of Arts degree the same year from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. He is a 1992 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He was a member of the 168th session of the National Academy. In 2012, Weber successfully completed the Florida Executive Development Seminar held in conjunction with the FBI National Academy.
“I have truly enjoyed serving as a law enforcement officer for the past 37 years<" Weber is quoted as saying in the release. "I am looking forward to doing what matters most; spending more time with family.” Manfre says he is "grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside Commander Weber. He has been an asset to our agency and our community for many years. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Blue line says
The truth is Mr Weber that you have never considered the law enforcement officers that serve this agency as part of your family. You placed yourself above us and you will not be missed. Never forget that when you step on others to get ahead…the person you stepped on sometimes….gets a chance to step back. You, Staly, Bisland, Hoffmann, and yes…..Manfre will all soon be a distant bad memory.
Ray Thorne says
Something is obviously going on there…
PeachesMcGee says
Not surprising that an attorney would force the most experienced LEO’s to resign or retire.
Who needs experienced LEO’s anyways?
Buddy Negron says
Thank you for your service Commander Weber. You have served your community well and with honor. We all understand why so many have chosen to leave Manfre’s staff. It is unfortunate to lose quality and experienced LEOs due to an inept command, but nothing is forever and Manfre’s days are numbered. Good luck Bob!
God willing the people will have the chance to elect a truly professional Sheriff at the next election. I can only hope the ethically challenged Manfre and Fleming, who both also lack the leadership and ability to serve in such a capacity, will leave it to a professional, career-long Florida law enforcement administrator with real documented success at every level in every position. That’s what FCSO needs!
Enough is enough! No more losers, whack jobs, ethically challenged egomaniacs, or local yocals who somehow believe because they were “on the job” years ago up in the NE, that they now are somehow
qualified to be a county sheriff in Florida. Laughable. Try plumbing! Flagler County needs professional law enforcement leadership and it will soon be on it’s way. Sit tight everyone… ;)
Charles "Bub" Robson says
As the world turns, lets see how the cookie crumbles.
Enlightened says
As one of the fired, I totally agree with you Buddy. This agency is the laughing stock of Florida Law Enforcement. Time for a change! The people of this County deserve better. By the way, if ever asked, I would never return to working for FCSO.
Buddy Negron says
That’s a shame Brother. Even if you had the right Sheriff??
Heading North says
I also worked for FCSO for a short time, after a 25 year career with another, much larger Florida agency, and can attest to the fact that the men and women of the “rank and file” of the department are a professional, dedicated group who are certainly struggling to maintain their morale under the present administration. Some of the “fired, forced to retire or resign” were some of the most educated and professional people I knew, and when all that happened to them came along, I knew I could no longer work for the current Sheriff so I left under good terms, and also left Florida.
I am truly appalled at the goings on in Flagler, and as always I wish the citizens well, but you NEED a professional, dedicated, honest REAL Sheriff, not some big city attorney who has no idea what a real Law Enforcement Officer is!
Elections are coming folks — DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!