For Immediate Release

April 25, 2017

Walton County, Fla— At 7 a.m. Wednesday Walton County Sheriff’s Office will assume operational command of Walton County Fire Rescue.

On December 13, 2016 at a regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) meeting, Commissioners recommended the Commission direct a feasibility study regarding the movement of Walton County Fire Rescue under the management of Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

The decision was made at the Board of County Commission public hearing Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office will absorb 99 employees including 90 EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, two administrative support positions and seven command level positions that staff nine fire stations.

“We consider this undertaking an opportunity to highlight the hard working, professional employees at WCFR,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We intend to make this transition as smooth as possible while making sure that our community is still getting the service they deserve.”

A 120-day transition period is in place to provide time to visit with employees and address the current state of affairs at Walton County Fire Rescue while preparing a strategic plan for the future.

“We may wear different uniforms, but at the end of the day what I want people to understand is that we are going to be one team with one mission,” said Adkinson.