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.

Assistant Chief Daniel LaTour entered the fire service in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter in Walton County and began his career at SWFD in 2002.  Prior to his promotion to Assistant Chief of Support Services in March of 2021, Chief LaTour rose through the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and District Chief.  As District Chief he oversaw SWFD’s Light Technical Rescue Team.  Chief LaTour currently holds an A.S. Degree in Emergency Medical Services, Florida Fire Officer II certification, is a graduate of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association Emergency Services Leadership Institute and is a FLUSAR Rescue Specialist.  Assistant Chief LaTour oversees the Support Services, which includes: Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, Communications, Information Technology, and the Training Division.

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.

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.

Carole Martin joined the South Walton Fire District in February 2012 bringing over 30 years of accounting experience in a wide variety of industries.  Carole has a master’s degree in Business Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and obtained a CPA certificate in Massachusetts.  Her responsibilities include all aspects of the District’s accounting, finance, budgets and insurance.  Carole was the recipient of the 2015 Fire Chief’s Award and a 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.

Robbie Lund joined the South Walton Fire District  team in May 2008. With over 30 years administrative support experience, Robbie provides direct support to the Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs. In addition, Robbie serves as the Records Management Liaison Officer for South Walton Fire District and 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.
 
 

Public Information Officer Mackenzie McClintock joined SWFD in March 2021 as the District's first, full-time Public Information Officer. She previously worked as a morning reporter in Panama City, covering community events and news happening across the Florida Panhandle. Prior to her time as a Floridian, Mackenzie attended The University of Alabama and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication & Information Sciences. She has worked in many forms of publishing and media, including newspapers, editorial/magazines, and television. Mackenzie brings experience working alongside firefighters and law enforcement as a breaking news reporter and source of public information, recently covering the Mussett Bayou Wildfire and Hurricane Sally, among other statewide news events.