Board of Fire Commissioners

Meet Your Elected Officials

Our Board of Fire Commissioners is an elected body of seven members who are charged with the business and affairs of the District. Fire Commissioners serve a term of four years. All Board meetings are held the second Monday of every month at Station 3/Headquarters.

David Bailey

David Bailey

SWFD Fire Board Chair  /  Board Seat 7  /  Term - 2024 - 2028

Commissioner Bailey is a registered architect and urban planner with experience in both public and private sector projects, including residential, hospitality, institutional, and mixed-use developments.  He and his family have lived and worked in south Walton since 2009.  Bailey previously served as an interim SWFD Fire Commissioner from 2021 to 2022. 

“It is an honor to work alongside the other Commissioners to serve both the staff of the South Walton Fire District and the citizens that SWFD stands ready to protect in their time of need.  We must ensure that our capacity to continue to deliver excellent service matches the evolving needs of our rapidly growing community, through sound financial management, proactive support of the staff, and careful strategic planning.”

Mailing Address: 911 N County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

Charlotte Flynt

Charlotte Flynt

SWFD Fire Board Vice-Chair  /  Board Seat 5  /  Term - 2024 - 2028

Commissioner Flynt was a Project Engineer for Donohoe Construction, Inc. and has been a Florida certified contractor since 1989. Commissioner Flynt has served on the Walton County Code Enforcement Board since 2002 and is a member of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, NWF Symphony Guild, and the West Florida Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

"After attending several Fire Board meetings, I realized I had skillsets that would be beneficial to the Fire Board. Serving as Fire Commissioner has been most rewarding and the "espirit de corps" on this Fire Board and within our firefighter family is second to none."

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Brian Farmer

Brian Farmer

SWFD Fire Board Secretary - Treasurer  /  Board Seat 3  /  Term - 2025 - 2026

Commissioner Farmer currently works in the civil engineering industry as a project manager/designer with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential civil-design, permitting and construction.  He and his family have lived in South Walton since 2001.  Mr. Farmer is a former Scoutmaster for the local BSA Troop and an active member of Saint Rita’s Parish.

"South Walton has been my home for nearly 25 years, and it holds a special place in my heart. As our community continues to grow, I’m proud to serve as a Commissioner for the South Walton Fire District — an organization rooted in integrity, leadership, teamwork, and a deep commitment to serving others. It’s an honor to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger future for everyone who calls South Walton home"

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Maurice Gilbert

Maurice Gilbert

SWFD Fire Board Commissioner  /  Board Seat 1  /  Term - 2024 - 2028

With a formal education in Accounting, Business Administration and Law, Commissioner Gilbert spent over 20 years in mortgage banking. In 1995, he moved fulltime to South Walton and became a Real Estate Broker.  Seeing the need for improvement in fire and emergency medical services in South Walton, he became a Fire Commissioner in 1997. 

"South Walton will continue to grow and as this occurs, fire protection and emergency medical services must keep pace and actually precede the growth to properly protect our citizen's lives as well as their property. We must stay ahead of the growth curve by proper planning in a fiscally responsible manner."

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Mark Foley

Mark Foley

SWFD Fire Board Commissioner  /  Board Seat 2  /  Term - 2022-2026

Commissioner Foley spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and retired in May 2022. He is the founder and CEO of several businesses aligned with the aerospace/defense industry, and is a technology entrepreneur with autonomous systems and unmanned aerial vehicle innovations. Commissioner Foley has also served as a legislative assistant and senior advisor in the U.S. Senate, and is a government relations professional, consultant, and teacher.

“It is an honor to be associated with the incredible men and women of the South Walton Fire District. Our firefighters exemplify a ‘service before self’ attitude, and I will work tirelessly to ensure they are fully organized, trained, and equipped to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the citizens they serve.”

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Brian Christenson

Brian Christenson

SWFD Fire Board Commissioner  /  Board Seat 4  /  Term - 2022-2026

Commissioner Christenson was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1991. Commissioner Christenson has a degree in Emergency Medical Services and has been involved in emergency services since 1997. Commissioner Christenson has been a Firefighter/Paramedic in Okaloosa County since 2000.

"I have proudly served as a commissioner for the past 8 years and believe my job experience gives me a unique perspective as a Fire Commissioner. I consider South Walton Fire District to be one of the most progressive departments in this area. I believe SWFD can continue to provide excellent services while remaining one of the lowest taxing districts in the state. I envision SWFD continuing to grow with the community. It is a privilege to work alongside the men and women of SWFD."

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Mike Stange

Mike Stange

SWFD Fire Board Commissioner  /  Board Seat 6  /  Term - 2022-2026

Commissioner Stange has been in hospitality management for nearly 40 years. Currently, he is the Chief Operating Officer of the Resort Collection in Panama City Beach, Florida and previously, the President of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for 11 years. Commissioner Stange has served as a Commissioner on the Fire Board since 2000.

"My vision for the South Walton Fire District's future is to insure that it continues to deliver the finest quality fire protection and emergency medical services while growing responsibly with the South Walton County."

Mailing Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Have questions?

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.