In an effort to better educate communities throughout the U.S. about fire safety recommendations, the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is promoting "Have 2 Ways Out" as the theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 7-13, which South Walton Fire District (SWFD) is supporting locally. NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for 89 years.

SWFD will be concentrating their efforts on promoting fire safety and prevention throughout the many schools day cares and businesses in South Walton

SWFD would like to remind our citizens to please contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal for any fire safety questions or concerns.

To contact Fire Marshal Sanchez, please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Firefighters Retirement System Pension Board will hold a special meeting on

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
2:30 p.m.

at South Walton Fire District
911 N. County Road 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

The purpose of the meeting will be to address the following:

• Fiduciary Liability Insurance
• Individual Retirement Statements
• Buybacks Procedures
• Drop Program Procedures

For questions or further information, please email Nate Brown, Chairman at nbrown@swfd.org.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold the Final Public Hearing of Tentative Ad Valorem Taxes and Budget 2012/2013 on

Thursday, September 27, 2012
5:01 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters,
911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold the First Public Hearing of Tentative Ad Valorem Taxes and Budget 2012/2013 on

Thursday, September 13, 2012
5:01 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters,
911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a workshop on

Wednesday, August 15, 2012
2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters,
911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The purpose of the workshop is to for Fire District Staff to present the 2012/2013 budget and discuss issues/cost saving measures.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions regarding this workshop.

The South Walton Fire District experienced an extremely busy day on July 31, 2012, due to the weather. A series of strong thunderstorms passed through the South Walton area this morning causing a high volume of calls with two structure fires related to lightning strikes.

The first structure fire at 117 Gulf Shore Drive in Santa Rosa Beach came in at 09:45. SWFD crews arrived to find that the duplex home experienced a lightning strike to the roof area. Fire crews gained access to the attic area and extinguished the fire. The building experienced moderate damage and there were no injuries.

While crews were on this fire, another structure fire response was sent to 80 E. St Lucia Lane in Santa Rosa Beach. The SWFD arrived to find an unoccupied, beach house with smoke coming from the roof and chimney area. Fire crews gained access to the house and extinguished the fire. The home suffered significant fire damage, but crews were able to save many of the families valuables. Fire crews are still on scene at the time of this media release.

There were no civilian injuries, however, two firefighters suffered minor injuries

SWFD received the assistance from Destin Fire Control District, Freeport Fire Department, Walton County Fire Rescue, and Panama City Beach Fire Department in bringing these incidents under control.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting meeting on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the tentative millage for the upcoming TRIM Notice.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions regarding this meeting.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) filed a report of a stolen lifeguard tower with the Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) this morning. When SWFD lifeguards reported to their post for duty (at Ed Walline Beach Access) they discovered the lifeguard tower was missing.

The WCSO was immediately notified and is currently investigating this as a felony crime. The lifeguard tower, which is approximately 6 ft wide at the base, 8 foot in height and is constructed of aluminum, was apparently stolen sometime between the lifeguards going off duty at 6:00 p.m. last night and 9:00 a.m. this morning.

"This theft affects the thousands of residents, guests and visitors that come to this beach location. People expect to see SWFD lifeguards staffing those towers and it provides a sense of security to everyone knowing they are there protecting the beach, "said Gary Wise SWFD Beach Safety Director.

SWFD lifeguards will still be on duty at all of our lifeguard stations. However the lifeguards assigned to the Ed Walline area will not have the advantage of casting their protective eye across the beach from the height of a tower. Instead they will have to cover their response area from ground level until a replacement can be constructed.

Anyone with information regarding this stolen tower is urged to notify the WCSO at (850) 267-200 or (850) 892-8111. For additional information please contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal or Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director at (850) 267-1298

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an Executive Session on:

Monday, June 4, 2012

2:00 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, Conference Room
911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The purpose of the Executive Session is for the Board to discuss labor negotiations.

For information, please contact SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298.

The South Walton Fire District's (SWFD) Beach Safety Division is proud to announce the 2012 Junior Lifeguard Program. For the 5th consecutive year the SWFD Junior Lifeguard Program will be under the supervision of Gary Wise, South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Director assisted by the South Walton Fire District Professional Lifeguards.

The five week program will begin Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 through Thursday, July 19th, 2012. The program activities will be held, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week with 9 -11 year olds year participating from 9am-11:45am and 12-15 year olds starting at 12:15-3:00pm. Qualifying boys and girls ages (9-15) will be instructed in many aspects of beach and water safety and environmental topics

Swim tryouts will be held at 3:30pm on Friday, May 18th and at 9:00 am on Saturday May 19th. Both tryouts will be held at Ed Walline Park located at the south end of CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Registration is limited to the first 60 applicants who meet the swimming requirements and have submitted a completed registration form. Cost for this year's program is $140 per child, $125 per each sibling

For more information on the Junior Lifeguard Program or to receive a registration/waiver form, please contact Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director at 850-267-1298 or gwise@swfd.org

On Saturday April 14th, a member of the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) was seriously injured during an off duty water incident. Firefighter/Paramedic Danny Margagliano suffered a severe neck/spinal injury when he dove into shallow water.

Margagliano was flown to Sacred Heart in Pensacola where he continues to be monitored in the ICU. Early signs of paralysis have the Margagliano family, friends and co-workers searching for ways to assist with the ever mounting medical bills. Although it is still too early to determine whether permanent paralysis will set in, it is not too early to start with the fundraising.

In a collaborative effort between the SWFD and the South Walton Professional Fire Fighters Association (SWPFFA Local 3516) a website has been created to provide financial assistance to the Margagliano Family.

"As professional firefighters, we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. That's what we had in mind when we created this website," said SWFPPA President Henry Apfelbach. "Any way we can alleviate some of the financial stress that Danny and his family are currently experiencing is what we want to accomplish," said Apfelbach.

"Firefighters instinctively have the passion and desire to help, it's the reason they make firefighting a career. As soon as word spread that one of our own was injured, the outpour of internal support was overwhelming. SWFD has some of the most compassionate firefighters in NW Florida, they are phenomenal," said Rick Talbert, SWFD Fire Chief.

If you would like to assist the Danny Margagliano Family please visit http://donations4dannym.blogspot.com

Did you know that Stand up paddle boarding has become the fastest growing water sport worldwide? Here in South Walton we have many standup paddle boarders ranging in skill level from first timers to experienced national caliber racers. Even these skilled paddle boarders follow the United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements for this water sport. The USCG has written two important documents regarding safety for standup paddleboard that should always be strictly adhered to.

The first document written in 2008 deemed that all standup paddleboards would be classified as vessels. This classification would require the use of a personal flotation device (PFD), a whistle and lights if this "vessel" was used after sun down. This document was amended in 2011. The language stated if a paddle board was used within a designated "swimming, surfing or bathing area, it would not deem the paddle board to be a vessel per USCG. This change seemed very vague as there was not a clear delineation of where a "swimming, surfing or bathing area" was.

As a community leader in safety, South Walton Fire District (SWFD) highly recommends that ALL standup paddlers properly use a personal flotation device (PFD) as well as leash when surfing or paddle boarding in the gulf. It is also recommended that all vendors who rent standup paddle boards encourage the proper use of a leash to all its customers anytime they enter the water.

It is important to note that paddlers who venture outside the "swimming, surfing or bathing area" must comply with federal Navigation Rules. More information regarding water safety and water safety requirements can be found at www.uscgboating.org. Our lifeguards and emergency response personnel have responded to several incidents of persons that have fallen from a paddle board with no leash or flotation necessitating a rescue situation that can be corrected with awareness.

Stand up paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy South Walton's scenic dune lakes and gulf waters. Weather conditions can change quickly and dehydration can occur within a short period of time from strenuous exercise. When venturing out into our open waters please use common sense and seek the advice of a qualified instructor if you are unsure of your abilities or knowledge.

For more information contact Gary Wise, SWFD Beach Safety Director at 850-267-1298 or by email at gwise@swfd.org.

The South Walton Fire District will honor the men and women who serve as public safety dispatchers and call takers during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 9-13, 2012.

In South Walton and across the country in times of intense personal crisis or community-wide disasters, the primary access point for those seeking fire and EMS emergency assistance is 9-1-1. The SWFD communication operators, who receive these calls, provide the reassuring voice on the other side of the phone and the first point of contact for persons seeking immediate relief during an emergency.

Introduced to Congress by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International in 1991, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is the second week of April each year. This week is dedicated to public safety telecommunicators who aid in providing 9-1-1 emergency assistance to the citizens and visitors of South Walton.

"Every day, many members and visitors to our community rely on the expertise and commitment of the men and women who staff our communication center." said Marc Anderson, Assistant Chief. In addition to answering emergency calls, most operators also field questions relating to all types of complaints, all the while juggling priorities to serve the public in the best and fastest way possible. These behind the scenes personnel are the indispensable link between the public and fire/rescue emergency response personnel who make the difference between life and death in many instances.

This week we are honoring our communications personnel with a special "thank you" for all the hard, dedicated work they do each day, all year round.

Over all for the month of March, the SWFD Communications Center received 1, 054 calls for service.

For more information about SWFD Communications or National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal at 267-1298

SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, April 16, 2012

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters,

911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will meet on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at South Walton Fire District Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the procurement of services of Mr. Jerry Copeland and EMCS, Inc. for human resource and employee relations.

At the South Walton Fire District's monthly Fire Commission board meeting Monday afternoon, Fire Chief Rick Talbert presented Walton County Sheriff Deputy Jason Hall and Florida Department Law Enforcement agent Mike Duffey with Emergency Services Lifesaving Awards for their role in saving the life of a gentlemen that experienced sudden cardiac arrest at this year's Seaside Half Marathon.

During the race, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) responded to a 911 request for a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, SWFD members found WCSO Deputy Jason Hall along with three other bystanders utilizing the deputy's AED and performing CPR on the patient.

The use of the AED along with CPR proved to be a successful combination as the patient had regained an organized, life sustaining heart rhythm and pulse and was conscious prior to being transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by SWFD personnel. Chief Talbert noted during the presentation that the gentleman received emergency surgery shortly after the event and he is at home recovering.

Through a grant, the SWFD was able to purchase fifty five (55) AED's in 2004. The AED's were distributed throughout various locations within the South Walton Community. In addition, they were distributed / installed inside of WCSO patrol vehicles. Not only did WCSO receive these AED's (free of charge) but they received the initial hands on training through the SWFD.

"Interagency partnerships (such as this AED program) do save lives, as was clearly demonstrated on this day. We are happy that we were able to provide the AED's and the training to WCSO and we hope to continue to partner with them in any way that will directly benefit the communities and the people we both serve," said SWFD Fire Chief Rick Talbert.

The South Walton Fire District provides training in CPR/AED and First Aid. If you or your group would like to make arrangements for a class or if you just wish to receive more information, please contact the SWFD at (850) 267-1298 or visit our website at www.swfd.org.

Remember, the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest are only about 10% without immediate care; with the proper training, you can be the one that makes the difference between life and death.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Firefighters Retirement System Pension Board will hold a special meeting on

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
9:00 a.m.

at South Walton Fire District
911 N. County Road 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

The purpose of the meeting will be to address the following:

• Certify Tim Parker's election to the Board
• Approve Salem Trust quarterly allotment
• Board positions
• Public records request

For questions or further information, please email Nate Brown, Chairman at nbrown@swfd.org.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an HR/Employee Benefits Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss organizational matters.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions regarding this meeting.

South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards will report to their towers at eight beach access points this Saturday March 10, 2012. The Beach Safety and Education Program, a partnership between the SWFD and the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), will began its 7th season as new and returning lifeguards report for duty.

The life guards are completing their annual training academy, which lasts 80 hours and consists of medical training, surf rescue techniques, communications, beach and water surveillance techniques as well as strength and stamina conditioning. "Despite unseasonable warm waters, training at this time of year in the Gulf is still challenging and SWFD is proud of our new lifeguard team, who are committed to keeping our beaches and our community safe", said Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director.

The SWFD would like to invite the members of our community to attend the Lifeguard Academy graduation ceremony this Friday March 9, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. at Ed Walline Park located at the intersection of CR 393 and CR 30A.

For further information, please contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal at 850-267-129

For 14 years, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) has participated in the International Association of Fire Chiefs' campaign "Change your Clock -Change your Battery", reminding citizens to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks this Sunday, March 11, 2012.

SWFD is so committed to this belief that the Fire District will install and replace batteries in smoke detectors for South Walton residents who are senior citizens, disabled, or families in need, at no charge. Remember, the life of a smoke detector is 10 years. If your detector is 10 years old or older, it should be replaced.

Some alarming facts:

• Every year, approximately 3,000 people lose their lives in home fires, and most of those deaths are among the elderly, the disabled, the low income, and the very young.
• More than 90% of homes in the U.S. have smoke detectors, but 1/3 are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.
• Remember - please set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 a.m.!

For more information about smoke detectors, fire safety and developing a home escape plan, contact Fire Marshal Sanchez at the South Walton Fire District, 911 N. CR 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 at 850-267-1298

Members of the South Walton Fire District (SWFD), members of the SWFD Board of Fire Commissioners and members of the South Walton Professional Firefighters Association (SWPFFA)/Local 3516 will meet at Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 on the following date:

March 8, 2012
1:30 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss contract negotiations between the SWFD and the SWPFFA.

For further information, please call Station 3/Headquarters at 850-267-1298.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an Executive Session on:

Monday, March 5, 2012
3:00 p.m.

at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, Conference Room
911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The purpose of the Executive Session is for the Board to discuss labor negotiations.

For information, please contact SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) received a call at 5:23 A.M. this morning reporting a structure fire. SWFD crews from Station 2 arrived within minutes of the initial call at 50-1 Uptown Grayton Circle, Little Italy Restaurant.

Upon arrival SWFD crews encountered a single story commercial restaurant with heavy fire involvement. Adjacent to the restaurant was a two story structure that also sustained fire damage. Despite the separate fires, SWFD crews were still able to knock down the flames and save the majority of the structures involved.

An additional unit (in close proximity) only sustained smoke damages. No one was present at any of the four units involved and no one was injured during this fire. SWFD crews had the fires under control within 35 minutes of the first arriving unit.

Investigators with the SWFD and the State of Florida Fire Marshal's Office were not able to complete the investigation due to the unstable condition of the restaurant roof. Once the roof is secured, the investigation will continue and a cause and origin should be determined.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an HR/Employee Benefits Committee meeting on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss organizational matters.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions regarding this meeting.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners will hold an HR/Employee Benefits Committee meeting on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at SWFD Station 3/Headquarters, 911 N CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss organizational matters.

Please call SWFD Headquarters at 850-267-1298 with any questions regarding this meeting.

The South Walton Fire District's Board of Fire Commissioners is seeking interested residents and business professional who reside in South Walton to participate on the Firefighter's Pension Board as a South Walton Fire District Board Appointee. Although it is not required, ideal candidates would be experienced in defined benefit retirements systems, financial statements as well as investment portfolios and processes.

The Firefighter's Pension Board meets quarterly at the South Walton Fire District Headquarters in Santa Rosa Beach.. This year's dates are:

FEBRUARY 27, 2012 2:30 P.M.

JUNE 4, 2012 2:30 P.M.

AUGUST 27, 2012 2:30 P.M.

DECEMBER 3, 2012 2:30 P.M.

Any person wishing to participate and serve in this capacity is encouraged to submit a letter of intent including a personal experience overview to:

South Walton Fire District's Board of Fire Commissioners Pension Appointee, 911 CR 393 N, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

It feels like 2011 went by in the blink of an eye and it is resolution time again! What is your New Year's resolution?

As you prepare for the New Year, why not consider adding community service to your list? Sharing your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expands your social network and improves your skills.

The South Walton Fire District is actively pursuing dedicated individuals who wish to be a part of our mission and vision. As with our career recruitment, the South Walton Fire District accepts applicants that are committed to the wellbeing of our community as part of our volunteer staff.

Our volunteers share a sense of pride in the service they provide to our community. Some volunteers work a few hours a week, while others serve a few days a week. Special skills are nice, but not required to be a volunteer -- just a willing heart and a warm smile!

If you would like more information about volunteering at South Walton Fire District, please call Marc Anderson, Assistant Chief, or by email at manderson@swfd.org .