Bunnell, FL - The Flagler County Sheriff has announced his organization will split ways with their inmate health care provider and implement some new changes at their jail.
Almost two weeks ago (February 10th), 23-year-old Anthony Fennick, an inmate at Flagler County Jail, passed away after becoming brain dead following a medical episode.
After his death, the Flagler Could Sheriff's Office announced that they were launching an investigation into their staff and the staff of their inmate health care provider, Armor Correctional Medical Services.
Then today (February 22nd), Sheriff
"As Sheriff, I accept full responsibility," said
The terms of their contract show that Armor requires a 90-day notice when terminating services, meaning that Armor will provide health care at Flagler County Jail until June 1st.
"In response to this tragedy, Armor has shown little interest in anything other than denying responsibility and trying to bill us for even more money," said
According to
While Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised Armor initially, controversy still followed the company in Volusia County.
In August of 2018, Volusia replaced Armor with Centurion Detention Health Services after lawsuits were filed against Armor for their care of Volusia inmates as well as 12 suicides that occurred at the county jail since 2013.
Those changes include new signage to inmate housing instructing inmates to report medical or other concerns to jail personnel for themselves or other inmates. A hotline phone number will also be available for inmate medical concerns.
Another important change that will come is if an inmate is transported to the hospital for a critical emergency, the family or listen emergency contact will be notified.
Staly said in some non-critical cases, families and emergency contacts were notified as it presented a security threat, offering a "chance to escape."
"I'm not going back to the old system that was in place when I became Sheriff, using part-time paramedics handing out medication," said
Several investigations are still underway, according to
“To the Fennick family, I am very sorry,” Sheriff