BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office says former Chief Deputy Joe Barile resigned in lieu of formal termination after Sheriff Rick Staly lost confidence in his leadership.
The agency released documents after Barile issued a lengthy public statement explaining his abrupt resignation.
Barile resigned Sept. 10 after nearly 20 years with the agency. His short resignation letter said he was ready to “start a new chapter” and was thankful for the opportunities he had been given while serving the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the community.
But the sheriff’s office said Barile chose to resign instead of having his executive appointment revoked and his employment terminated.
Barile says resignation fueled speculation
In an 11-page statement, Barile said he felt he owed the community an explanation because his resignation was abrupt and sudden.
Barile wrote that he was “at a loss for words” over the support he said he received from the community and from current and former members of the sheriff’s office. He said the response reminded him why he loved serving Flagler County.
Barile said he understood that resigning suddenly could fuel speculation that he had done something wrong.
“I can assure you that is not the case,” Barile wrote.
In the statement, Barile said he did not resign before any internal affairs investigation or threat of one being opened. He said he had not done anything that would warrant an investigation and said that, in nearly 20 years, he had never received formal discipline.
Barile acknowledged that he was given the option to resign and said he was thankful Staly gave him that opportunity.
He also said he knew when he accepted the chief deputy position that he could be let go at any time if Staly believed he was not meeting expectations. Barile said he knew there was no chance of a demotion or another position within the agency if that happened.
Barile says values differed
Barile wrote that he could no longer fulfill the role in the way Staly expected.
“I do not share the same views or opinions as him in many areas, and that is not healthy for any organization,” Barile wrote.
Later in the statement, Barile said he was not accusing Staly of being unethical or doing anything illegal. He said Staly never asked him to do anything illegal or unethical. But Barile wrote that their morals and values differed in ways that made it impossible for him to continue carrying out the duties of chief deputy as required.
Barile also denied rumors that he resigned because he had accepted a job with Axon. He said he had never applied for a position with the company and had no intention of leaving the agency for a private-sector job.
Barile admits mistakes, says he corrected them
Barile’s statement also addressed some of the leadership issues that later appeared in the sheriff’s office documents.
He wrote that after becoming chief deputy, he tried to fix too much too quickly and became overwhelmed, stressed and frustrated.
“At times, I was loud, had a short fuse, and spoke to people in a way that was unprofessional and unacceptable,” Barile wrote.
Barile said he apologized to the person he spoke to that way and to others who witnessed it. He said he later held meetings with command staff and higher-ranking personnel to apologize and ask for honest feedback.
Barile wrote that the incident happened more than a year ago and said he did not act that way again.
Sheriff cites leadership concerns
Documents released by the sheriff’s office give a different account of the separation.
Notes from a separation meeting say Staly told Barile that the decision had already been made.
“Over the past 18 months, I have watched your effectiveness as a leader deteriorate to the point that I have lost confidence in your ability to continue serving as Chief Deputy,” the notes say.
The notes say the decision was not based on a single incident, but on what Staly described as a “sustained pattern of leadership conduct and judgment.”
According to the notes, direct reports had expressed “fear and apprehension” when dealing with Barile. Members of the leadership team also described being yelled at, subjected to profanity and concerned about reprisals or repercussions for communicating with Staly.
Documents mention favoritism, intimidation
The sheriff’s notes also say Barile’s interactions with leadership team members and others “too often involved yelling, profanity, intimidation, and conduct inconsistent with the professionalism expected of an executive leader.”
The notes cite “serious concerns regarding favoritism,” including circumstances involving women with whom Barile previously had personal relationships.
The document also accuses Barile of failing to follow, or attempting to circumvent, established policies and procedures.
“Collectively, these behaviors have severely damaged trust within the leadership team and have negatively affected the professional working environment of this Agency,” the notes say.
Resign or be terminated
The separation notes say Staly gave Barile two options.
“You may resign, or your executive appointment will be revoked and your employment terminated,” the notes say.
The notes also say the decision was not open for discussion and that Barile would not remain chief deputy or continue his employment with the agency.
A draft revocation memo included in the records says Barile had “failed to meet the terms and conditions” of the Appointment of Executive Staff Agreement he signed on Jan. 15, 2025.
The draft memo said Barile’s appointment would be revoked and his employment would be terminated effective immediately. It also said Barile would be entitled to a name-clearing meeting if he requested one in writing within five days.
Separation form lists voluntary departure
An FDLE affidavit of separation lists Barile’s separation date as Sept. 11.
The form lists the separation reason as voluntary separation not involving misconduct.
The sheriff’s office said Staly does not comment publicly on non-criminal personnel matters. However, the agency said it released the documents after Barile chose to release a document about his resignation.
The sheriff’s office said the records “speak for themselves” and said Staly would have no further comment.
Chief deputy position will stay vacant
FCSO previously announced that Barile’s chief deputy position will remain vacant.
In a message to agency employees, Staly said Barile had informed him that he was resigning and that the resignation was accepted effective immediately. Staly said Barile had served since Jan. 31, 2007, and had assignments that included community policing, investigative services, homeland security and the Special Investigation Unit.
Staly said the agency would return to an organizational structure it used for years without a chief deputy. The duties will be shared among division chiefs, the chief of staff and the sheriff.
Barile wrote that he plans to remain involved in the community.
“This is my home, and you are all my family, and no one will take that from me,” Barile wrote.
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