Collective bargaining negotiation meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

• July 9, 2026: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (CST)
• July 23, 2026: 2:00 – 4:00 PM (CST)
• August 14, 2026: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CST)

All meetings will be held at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office north administration building located at 10 Sheriff Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.

The purpose of these meetings is collective bargaining between the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County, Local 4413, International Association of Firefighters.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to these meetings upon request. Requests may be made to the Human Resources Managers at (850) 892-8111 x3215 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Two Walton County Fire Rescue Battalion Chiefs have joined an elite group of fire-service leaders after successfully completing the prestigious Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI).

Walton County Fire Rescue is proud to announce the graduation of Battalion Chief Christopher Brown and Battalion Chief Travis Cook from ESLI, a premier leadership development program sponsored by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation.

The ESLI program is designed to equip mid-level and chief fire officers with the advanced leadership knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges facing today’s fire and emergency services.

The Institute emphasizes contemporary leadership issues and provides a curriculum consistent with upper-level academics.

The program consists of six stand-alone courses, each offering an immersive multi-day educational experience. The courses rotate on a two-year schedule, allowing participants the flexibility to begin with any course and complete the series in any sequence.

To be eligible to graduate, participants must complete all six courses, which include:

• Human Resources and Labor Relations
• Personal Qualities, Leadership, and the Organization
• Government Relations and Public Policy
• Marketing Fire and Emergency Services
• Finance and Budgeting
• Emergency Management

“Seeing Battalion Chiefs Cook and Brown push themselves through such a demanding program says a lot about who they are as leaders,” said Assistant Fire Chief Jonathon Davis. “They’re constantly looking for ways to grow and better serve this community, and that dedication makes a real difference in our organization.”

The knowledge and leadership competencies gained through the ESLI will support both graduates in their ongoing efforts to lead teams, manage complex incidents, and help shape the future of fire and emergency services in Walton County.

Walton County Fire Rescue has once again proven its place among the elite in emergency medical services, earning reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), the gold standard for EMS agencies nationwide.

The reaccreditation recognizes WCFR’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional out-of-hospital patient care while meeting, and in many cases exceeding, nationally recognized standards for safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.

For the men and women of Walton County Fire Rescue, this achievement represents far more than a sticker on an ambulance. It is the result of years of dedication, training, evaluation, and an unwavering mission to serve the community at the highest level possible.

CAAS accreditation is one of the most comprehensive reviews an EMS agency can undergo. The process examines every aspect of an organization’s operation, including patient care, training, response times, disaster preparedness, equipment accountability, safety practices, and community outreach.

During the review process, WCFR underwent an extensive evaluation to ensure every component of its EMS division continues to meet the rigorous standards established by CAAS commissioners representing healthcare, business, and public safety sectors across the country.

“This reaccreditation speaks volumes about the people at this agency,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The members of Walton County Fire Rescue continue to set the standard through their professionalism, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Our community can take pride in knowing they are served by one of the very best EMS organizations in the state.”

Walton County Fire Rescue originally made history in 2021 as the first fire rescue-based EMS service in the Florida Panhandle to receive CAAS accreditation. Since then, the agency has continued building on that success through advanced training, innovative patient care practices, and a constant focus on improving service to the citizens and visitors of Walton County.

“This reaccreditation validates the hard work our personnel put in every single day,” said Walton County Fire Rescue Chief Austin Pugh. “From the moment a 911 call comes in, to the care delivered on scene and during transport, our teams are committed to providing the highest quality service possible.”

The CAAS accreditation process is voluntary and widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accomplishments an EMS agency can achieve. By maintaining accreditation, Walton County Fire Rescue demonstrates its continued commitment to accountability, excellence, and delivering the highest standard of emergency medical care to the community it serves.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

A collective bargaining negotiation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CST). The meeting will be held at Walton County Fire Rescue Station 8, located at 7900 State Highway 81 South, in Redbay, Florida.

The purpose of this meeting is collective bargaining between the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County, Local 4413, International Association of Fire Fighters.

The Walton County Sheriff adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to these meetings upon request. Requests may be made to the Human Resources Manager at 850-892-8111 x.3215 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association has named Walton County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief TJ McElyea as the Fire Rescue Cadet of the Year for 2025, recognizing his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and commitment to fostering the next generation of fire service professionals.

In 2024, Chief McElyea founded Cadet Post 850, creating a program built on discipline, service, and opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the fire service. From its inception, Chief McElyea has dedicated countless hours of his personal time to training, guiding, and supporting the cadets, ensuring they receive not only hands-on experience but also the values and professionalism that define the fire service.

Under his leadership, Cadet Post 850 has quickly grown into a state-recognized, impactful program. Chief McElyea’s approach blends high expectations with genuine mentorship, fostering an environment where cadets gain confidence, skills, and a clear path toward a future in public safety. His influence is already evident in the passion and dedication shown by the young men and women he mentors.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of Chief McElyea’s heart for service and his unwavering commitment to developing future firefighters,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “He built our cadet program from the ground up, and his leadership has created opportunities that will shape these young men and women for years to come. We are incredibly proud of the impact he’s making in our community and in the fire service.”

This award reflects the deep impact Chief McElyea has made in a short time and highlights his drive to educate, inspire, and empower young people for a life of service. This recognition highlights the significant difference he is making and the legacy he is building.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

A collective bargaining negotiation meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CST). The meeting will be held at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office downtown DeFuniak Springs office located at 37 S 10th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.

The purpose of this meeting is collective bargaining between the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County, Local 4413, International Association of Fire Fighters.

The Walton County Sheriff adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to these meetings upon request. Requests may be made to the Human Resources Manager at 850-892-8111 x.3215 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

A quick call from a watchful neighbor and a strong multi-agency response helped knock down a fast-moving house fire in the Villa Tasso community this morning.

At 7:44 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, Walton County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a residence on Magnolia Street after a neighbor spotted thick black smoke rising from a nearby mobile home. Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene to find flames engulfing a single-wide mobile home.

Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters arrived moments later and immediately began deploying fire attack lines. With assistance from Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department and North Bay Fire District, crews were able to quickly knock down the flames, preventing them from spreading to other nearby homes.

The homeowner told officials he had stepped out to walk his dog and returned to find his home burning. The American Red Cross has been contacted to assist the displaced resident and his pet.

No injuries were reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be investigating the cause of the fire.

“We’re incredibly thankful the homeowner and his dog were not inside when the fire broke out,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “Our crews, along with our partner agencies, worked quickly to keep the fire contained. Their teamwork helped prevent what could have been a much larger loss for this community.”

Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire this afternoon on Jim Roberts Road in Bruce.

At 1:13 p.m. on March 18, 2026, WCFR crews and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched after a neighbor called 911 reporting smoke and flames coming from a nearby home. Deputies arrived to find a single-story residence fully engulfed, with the fire threatening nearby structures. Firefighters arrived shortly after and immediately launched an aggressive attack.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control in less than 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes.

Fortunately, the resident made it out of the home safely and was not injured.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a malfunctioning space heater.

Walton County Fire Rescue reminds residents to use caution when operating heating devices. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heat sources and never leave space heaters unattended.

A good Samaritan’s quick decision to call 911 set a rapid emergency response in motion this evening after flames were spotted coming from a home in Darlington.

At approximately 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence on Highway 2 West after a passing motorist reported the fire. Fortunately, the owner was able to make it out of the home safely before first responders arrived.

When Walton County Fire Rescue Engine 3 made it on scene, firefighters encountered a single-story residence approximately 70 percent involved with fire. Crews immediately began suppression efforts, joined by volunteer firefighters from the Liberty and Argyle fire districts, working quickly to knock down the flames.

The home sustained extensive fire damage.

The homeowner reported minor burns but declined medical treatment at the scene. He told firefighters the fire started while he was attempting to light a wood-burning heater inside the home.

“We’re thankful the homeowner was able to escape safely,” said Walton County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “This incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can spread, especially when heating sources are involved.”

American Red Cross assistance was offered to the homeowner, but he declined, stating he had belongings at a nearby family member’s home.

Walton County Fire Rescue reminds residents not to use heat accelerants when lighting wood-burning heaters or fireplaces and always follow proper fire-safety guidelines.  

A late morning residential fire sent one resident to the hospital and prompted a multi-agency response in the Liberty community. 

At 10:47 AM, Walton County Fire Rescue and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence on Caswell Road after a caller reported flames near a fuse box in the kitchen. Walton County Fire Rescue responded to assist Liberty Volunteer Fire District, along with DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Argyle Volunteer Fire Department.

When WCSO deputies arrived, the residents had safely exited the home, but advised deputies that a cat and a dog were believed to still be inside. Deputies immediately began searching through windows and were able to locate the dog. Responders provided oxygen to the small dog while firefighters continued battling the blaze.

Walton County Fire Rescue crews made entry into the mobile home to conduct an initial search before beginning interior fire suppression operations. Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control, extinguishing the flames within approximately 30 minutes.

One resident was transported to a local hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation.

The rescued dog was transported by Walton County Animal Control to a nearby veterinarian for evaluation and care.

Walton County Fire Rescue cleared the scene at approximately 11:17 AM once the fire was fully extinguished and the structure was secured.

“Our primary concern is that both the resident and their dog receive the care they need after this frightening incident,” said Walton County Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We are grateful for the quick response of all agencies involved and for everyone’s efforts to ensure their safety.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.