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Our Mission

"Prompt, Competent, Caring Response in Time of Need"

Our Vision

"Continually Improve the Safety and Wellbeing of Our Community"



Core Values

Leadership

We value progressive leadership behavior that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to personal and professional development of all of our members, encourages participation in decision-making, setting goals and objectives; and leads and motivates others by example. Our leadership model will continue to build trust, loyalty and credibility through professional actions and a positive and caring attitude.

Teamwork

We recognize our members as the cornerstone of our success and will strive to provide a supportive and respectful environment that provides meaningful and challenging work and opportunities to acquire valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities. We know well-functioning teams of people are more effective than individuals working separately; our lives depend on it. We believe individuals have the capacity to lead, and our organization values teamwork at all levels. Teamwork and shared leadership are integral to our organization, and we will seek out and value the opinions of our members.

Integrity

We understand the trust placed in us by the public and our colleagues is integral to the performance of our duties. We are committed to honest and ethical behavior, and will hold ourselves accountable to these values.

Community Service and Involvement

We believe we have a duty to demonstrate our loyalty and respect to those we serve by involving ourselves in the communities where we work. Our responsibility is to protect life, property, and the environment. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibility and to deepening our involvement in the community we serve. No request or inquiry will go unanswered.

SWFD Annual Reports

  • 2009 Annual Report

  • 2008 Annual Report

  • 2007 Annual Report

    • Response Area



    South Walton Fire District is responsible for fire protection, Emergency Medical Services, public fire education, and prevention duties for an area of 84 square miles within Walton County, Florida.

    This area runs from the Okaloosa/Walton County Line on the west, to the Walton/ Bay County Line on the east, and from the Choctawhatchee Bay (Intracoastal Waterway) north, to the Gulf of Mexico on the south.

    Included in this area are 26 miles of beaches and 26 miles of inland waterways. The population of South Walton ranges from 20,000 to over 100,000 during the tourist season.

    SWFD Administrative Staff

    The Fire District Administrative staff provides leadership, long-range planning, budget development, financial management, personnel and payroll administration, interdepartmental coordination, grants/project management, information technology coordination and general customer service, in order to ensure the efficient daily operations of the Fire District.


    RICHARD G. TALBERT, FIRE CHIEF/ADMINISTRATOR

    Richard G. Talbert joined the SWFD in April 2007 with over 30 years of experience in the fire service. Chief Talbert provides progressive leadership to our District, and a commitment to the community and the personal and professional development of our members. In 2009, Chief Talbert received the Florida Fire Chief of the Year award, the most important honor the Florida fire service can bestow upon one of its chief executives.



    SEAN HUGHES, DEPUTY CHIEF

    Sean Hughes began his career in the fire service in 1982 and became an SWFD member in 1990. He is responsible for the daily operations of both emergency and non-emergency incidents of the District, which encompasses emergency medical services, fire suppression, safety operations, special operations, emergency management, training and beach safety. Deputy Chief Hughes also acts as the Public Information Officer for the District. Deputy Chief Hughes was the recipient of the 2008 Fire Chief's Award for his dedication and commitment to our District and its members. He is a graduate of Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI).



    MARC ANDERSON, ASSISTANT CHIEF

    Assistant Chief Marc Anderson began his fire service career in 1988 as a volunteer firefighter. Chief Anderson joined SWFD in 1998 and promoted through the ranks as Lieutenant, District Chief and currently, Assistant Chief. Chief Anderson is responsible for support services which includes, Fire/Life Safety, Fleet and Facility Management, Communications and Information/Technology divisions. Assistant Chief Anderson received the 2009 Fire Chief's Award for his dedication to our District, our members and the community we serve. He is a graduate of Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI).



    RYAN CRAWFORD, DIVISION CHIEF OF EMS

    Ryan Crawford joined SWFD in 2001 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He was promoted to his current position of EMS Division Chief in 2006, where he is responsible for the emergency medical services division of our Fire District. Chief Crawford also serves as the District's Infectious Control Officer and Safety Officer, and is a graduate of Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI).



    GARY M. PABLO, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

    Dr. Pablo joined SWFD as our Medical Director in 2001, when the Fire District began EMS service. A graduate of University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Pablo is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He is also a member of the National Association of EMS Medical Directors.



    COREY HARNED - DISTRICT CHIEF, A SHIFT

    Corey Harned joined SWFD in February 1998 as a Firefighter/ EMT. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and moved up to the District Chief position in 2000. District Chief Harned brings over 20 years experience to his position and is currently working on obtaining his Fire Officer II certification.



    HERB PATTERSON - DISTRICT CHIEF, B SHIFT

    With over 20 years experience in the fire service, District Chief Herb Patterson brings career excellence to our department in both fire and EMS. He has been a committed member of SWFD since May 1999, when he joined our department as a Firefighter/EMT. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, and received his promotion to District Chief in January 2008.



    MIKE THOMAS - DISTRICT CHIEF, C SHIFT

    Mike Thomas joined SWFD as a Firefighter/Paramedic in June 2001. He was promoted to EMS Chief in May 2005 and made a lateral move to District Chief, C-Shift in November 2006. Chief Thomas has over 18 years experience in the fire service, holds an Associate's Degree in Paramedic Science and is currently working on his Bachelor's Degree.



    SAMMY SANCHEZ, FIRE MARSHAL

    Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal joined SWFD in 1998. Fire Marshal Sanchez is responsible for all phases of inspections, fire investigations, site and plan reviews, and fire/life safety education. Fire Marshal Sanchez brings 18 years of fire service experience to our District.



    DIANE BROWN, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Diane has been a member of SWFD since 1999, where she began her career with the District as Administrative Assistant. Diane now provides direct support to the Fire Chief and the Deputy Chief, as well as responsibility for personnel recordkeeping, recording and providing transcripts for meeting minutes and is the "gatekeeper" for all confidential personnel files for each SWFD member. Diane also serves as the Records Management Liaison for the District.



    ROBBIE LUND, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Robbie joined the SWFD team in May 2008. Robbie, serving as Administrative Assistant, directly supports the Assistant Chief and the EMS Chief, as well as serving as the receptionist at the "main hub" of SWFD Station 3/Headquarters. Robbie received the SWFD "Extra Mile Award" in 2009 for her dedication and commitment to SWFD core values.



    BRIAN FLANAGAN, FISCAL OFFICER

    Brian has served as SWFD Fiscal Officer since 2005. Brian's responsibilities include paying vendors, preparing District payroll and maintaining the District's financial statements. In 2008 Brian received recognition for his time, effort, and financial stewardship in assisting SWFD obtain excellence in fiscal reporting for 2008. Brian received the SWFD "Extra Mile Award" in 2009 for his dedication and commitment to SWFD core values.



    GARY WISE, BEACH SAFETY DIRECTOR

    Gary Wise, SWFD Beach Safety Director, began with SWFD in 2006 and is responsible for our Beach Safety/Lifeguard Program. Gary's current credentials include President of the USLA Emerald Coast Chapter, USLASER Treasurer, Surf Life Saving Australia Surf Coach Accreditation. Gary is dedicated to the safety of our beach patrons, both residents and visitors alike.



    JOE MURZYNSKY, EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN

    With over 21 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, Joe has been with SWFD as our Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) since 2006 and is responsible for the SWFD Fleet Maintenance Division. Joe manages the entire SWFD fleet of 17 emergency response units, as well as performing staff vehicle repairs and repairs of wave runners and ATV units from our Beach Safety Division.



    ROBIN ETIENNE, COMMUNICATONS DIRECTOR

    Robin Etienne joined SWFD in January 2008 as Communications Director. With over 10 years experience in the field of communications, Robin is responsible for the planning and development of goals, policies, guidelines, and coordination of all activities involving our Communications staff.



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