Flagler sheriff appoints new second-in-command

Historic City News has learned that FBI National Academy graduate and 29-year veteran of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, David O’Brien, was appointed Chief Deputy this morning by Sheriff Donald W. Fleming.

O’Brien succeeds 63 year-old Chief Rick Look; who previously served in the position from 2005 until he left the agency on disability earlier this year.

Sheriff Fleming said O’Brien has developed a professional working relationship with the agency personnel that he expects the new Chief will continue. “We need someone who can maintain consistency in operations in my absence,” Fleming told a capacity crowd today at the appointment ceremony. “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.”

O’Brien, who is 48 years-old, rose through the ranks — beginning his career in the Corrections Division, transferring to Patrol Division, and, in 1991, earning the distinction of being appointed the first full-time motorcycle deputy.

O’Brien was promoted to Captain in 2001 and assigned to head up the first full-time Narcotics Investigation Division. He was promoted to the rank of Major, to lead the entire Criminal Investigation Division; later, O’Brien became Administrative Division commander before assuming responsibility for the Operations Division.

“Sheriff Fleming’s leadership will continue to make Flagler County a safe place — one street, one neighborhood, and one community at a time,” O’Brien said.