On July 31, 1978, Deputy Rick Staly of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida responded as backup to a disturbance call at an Exxon gas station in Pine Hills, just west of Orlando.
After a brief foot pursuit, deputies attempted to arrest the suspect, and a struggle ensued. During the altercation, the suspect gained control of one of the deputies’ duty weapons and pointed it at the deputy. Deputy Staly intervened, and the suspect opened fire.
Deputy Staly was struck twice in the right arm as he drew his duty weapon and once in the chest. His Safariland® Morgan Magnum armor, worn in a concealable carrier, stopped the .38-caliber round to his chest.
Despite his injuries, Deputy Staly stayed in the fight and took the wounded suspect into custody. The assailant was later sentenced to 20 years for his actions.
Doctors at the hospital told Deputy Staly that the shot to the side of his chest would have been fatal had he not been wearing his armor. Deputy Staly had purchased the Safariland® vest himself because it offered side coverage, unlike the department issued armor at the time, which only protected the front and back.
After receiving treatment for his arm injuries, Deputy Staly continued his career and now serves as the Sheriff of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
We welcome Deputy Rick Staly as Save #2275 to The Safariland Group Saves Club®.
