BUNNELL, Fla. — A Flagler County deputy who helped rescue a kidnapped child during a traffic stop has received an international law enforcement award.
Master Deputy Laura Jenkins accepted the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Looking Beyond the License Plate Award on Tuesday at the organization’s annual conference in Orlando.
The award recognizes her role in the Dec. 31, 2025, rescue of an 11-year-old boy who had been reported missing from St. Johns County.
Child confided in deputy
During the traffic stop, Jenkins separated the child from Darnell Hairston, a registered sex offender, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The boy then told her he had been kidnapped and believed he would have died had deputies not rescued him.
Hairston was arrested and later convicted. A judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison in September, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Junior Bishop, 16, who is accused of participating in the kidnapping, is awaiting trial.
Recognition for service
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award and to be recognized alongside so many outstanding law enforcement professionals,” Jenkins said in a statement.
“Everything I have accomplished throughout my career has been made possible by the support of my fellow deputies, supervisors, family and the community we serve.”
Jenkins joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2018. Her previous recognition includes seven lifesaving awards, four unit citations and nine commendation letters, according to the agency.
She was promoted to deputy first class in April 2023 and master deputy in May 2026.
Jenkins also participates in the agency’s Shop with a Cop and Law Enforcement Mental Wellness committees and holds certifications in crisis negotiation and critical incident stress management.
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