Administrative Staff

Fire Chief Ryan H. Crawford started his fire service career in 1996 after completion of an active duty military obligation in the U.S. Navy. Crawford joined the South Walton Fire District in 2001 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He was promoted to Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services in 2006; Assistant Chief of Operations in 2011; and Fire Chief / Administrator in 2019. Chief Crawford is a licensed paramedic, a state certified fire instructor, and holds associate degrees in both Liberal Arts and Emergency Medical Services and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Florida State University.  Crawford holds an undergraduate certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Florida State University’s Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and is a graduate of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association’s prestigious Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI). Chief Crawford currently serves as the Northwest Florida Regional Director for the Florida Fire Chief’s Association, the Regional Coordinator for the State of Florida’s Statewide Emergency Response Plan for Region 1, serves as an active member of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Florida Association of Special Districts.

Assistant Chief Brian Hughes began his career Fire & EMS service in 1993 as a volunteer firefighter. Chief Hughes joined SWFD in 2001 as a firefighter/paramedic and rose through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant until being promoted to District Chief in 2018. In April of 2019, Chief Hughes was promoted to the position of Assistant Chief of Operations and is responsible for all activities related to Fire Suppression, EMS response and Beach Safety. Chief Hughes is the current chair for SWFD FACE Team (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic). Chief Hughes is certified as a Fire Officer 2, Instructor 1, Live Fire Instructor and Incident Safety Officer. Chief Hughes completed his A.S. Degree in Emergency Medical Services as well as an A.S. Degree in Nursing where he specialized in emergency, surgical and post anesthesia nursing care.

Chief 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, 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.

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.

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.

Robbie Lund joined the South Walton Fire District team in May 2008. Robbie, serving as Administrative Assistant, directly supports the Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs. Robbie is responsible for personnel recordkeeping, recording and transcribing meeting minutes and serves as the Records Management Liaison Officer for South Walton Fire District. Robbie also serves as SWFD’s Department Relations Committee Secretary / Treasurer. Robbie received the South Walton Fire District Extra Mile Award in 2009, 2015 and 2016 for her dedication and commitment to South Walton Fire District’s Core Values.

Carole Martin accepted the position of Fiscal Officer in February of 2012 bringing an extensive amount of experience in a wide variety of disciplines. Carole's responsibilities include paying vendors, preparing District payroll and maintaining the District's financial statements.  Carole was the recipient of the 2015 Fire Chief’s Award and 2016 Extra Mile Award.

Lois LaBarreare joined the South Walton Fire District in September 2019 as the Human Resources Manager.  With over 20 years of HR experience, Lois holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources as well as SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications. While handling the day-to day processing of the Human Resources Office, Lois is responsible for developing and implementing HR initiatives, policies and procedures which are aligned with overall Fire District strategies.

Sterling Strickland joined SWFD in 2016 as the Communications Director. He oversees the daily operations of the districts Emergency Communications Center. He previously worked for 24 years as a Firefighter/ Paramedic in northeast GA, and 19 years as part time as a 911 operator and Quality Assurance Officer. Sterling graduated Lanier Technical College in 1995 with a degree in Paramedic Technology, and also serves as a regional Emergency Medical Dispatch instructor for the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch.

Beach Safety Director David Vaughan has worked Surf Rescue on the Gulf Coast beaches since 2004. Vaughan joined SWFD in 2011, was tasked as a lead guard in 2013, awarded Lifeguard of the Year for 2014, and promoted from within to Beach Safety Director in 2015. Vaughan coordinates the management of the Beach Safety Program's Public Education and Emergency Medical Service operations. Vaughan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

Tim joined the South Walton Fire District as Administrative Division Chief of EMS in December 2019. He began his fire service career in 1988 as a volunteer firefighter and became a full time Firefighter/EMT in 1990. Tim joined Las Vegas Fire & Rescue in 1998 and served 21 years with the last 12 years as EMS Coordinator. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, is a nationally registered Paramedic, a certified Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor II, Health and Safety Officer, EMS Primary Paramedic Instructor and is trained in Critical Incident Stress Intervention.