Emergency Services Division

White male with dark brown hair wearing dark blue Class A fire rescue jacket and tie
Chief Tracey Vause

The Emergency Services Division, led by Chief Tracey Vause, provides countywide leadership in emergency response, communications, and public safety coordination. The division is organized into four specialized bureaus, each delivering essential services that keep Walton County safe.

COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

The Communications Bureau serves as the county’s 911 and public safety communications hub, processing more than 150,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year. Communications officers gather critical information, triage calls, dispatch law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) resources, and provide lifesaving pre-arrival instructions.

The bureau also supports multi-agency coordination during major incidents and severe weather events. Walton County’s communications center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring continuous service to residents and visitors.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & RISK MANAGEMENT BUREAU

The Emergency Management & Risk Management Bureau coordinates countywide disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Working in conjunction with Walton County Emergency Management, the bureau develops emergency plans, conducts training and exercises, supports Emergency Operations Center activations, and promotes community preparedness through outreach and education initiatives.

The risk management bureau helps reduce operational hazards, supports workplace safety, and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

RECORDS & INTELLIGENCE BUREAU

The Records Division is responsible for maintaining official public safety records, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with state retention requirements.

The Intelligence Division supports criminal intelligence gathering and analysis, helping law enforcement identify trends, strengthen investigations, and improve situational awareness across agencies.

WALTON AIR RESCUE

Walton Air Rescue provides rapid-response air ambulance services through a partnership with Air Methods. This advanced medical helicopter delivers critical-care transport, supports emergency operations throughout the county, and ensures patients in remote or time-sensitive situations have rapid access to specialized medical care.