Fire Fighters Association offers plan to cut South Walton budget

Lauren Sage Reinlie

Northwest Florida Daily News

SANTA ROSA BEACH — Few public safety agencies have escaped budget struggles in the slumping economy.
The trying question is how to keep cutting costs without decreasing the level of fire and medical services needed to save lives and property.

FRS Legislative Alert, HB 303

THIS BILL WAS WITHDRAWN AT 4:28 THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011.  ONE WEEK AFTER IT WAS PROPOSED!!!!

An interesting discussion on the San Diego city employee retirement

Pension-plan change would seem like default

As people discuss the Florida Retirement System, they should differentiate between current employees and future employees.

FRS Change Ahead

Gov. Scott proposes workers pay 5 percent into retirement and end DROP

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced his proposal to save $2.8 billion over two years by requiring state and local employees to contribute to their retirement accounts and eliminating other elements of the programs that he believes cost state and local governments too much money.

Battle shaping up over pension proposal

Gov. Rick Scott has picked a fight with more than a half million employees with his proposal to make them fund their own pensions.

Florida lawmakers see big savings in state-worker pension cuts

Forced to plug a budget hole of nearly $4 billion, state legislators see pensions as a source of big-bucks savings.

The Impact of Public Pensions on State and Local Budgets

50 States in debt

A snapshot look at 50 States in Debt Media Gallery

SWFD AirHeart-1 Remembrance

On October 20, 2004 a crew of brave men made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to others in a fatal medical aviation accident.  Wednesday, October 20, 2010 marks the sixth anniversary of that day, the day that SWFD members were notified that AirHeart-1 was missing.  The AirHeart-1 helicopter was carrying Robert Heighton, SWFD Firefighter/Paramedic; Jack Chase, Sacred Heart Flight Nurse; and Tom Palcic, Pilot.

On October 20, 2010 at 7:50 a.m., SWFD will sound a general alarm and have a moment of silence to honor the memory of these dedicated public servants.

Please keep Robert, Jack and Tom and their families in your thoughts and prayers and honor their sacrifice.

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.  With this tribute, we celebrate their lives, memorialize their sacrifice, and commemorate their service.”

Sandestin Hilton After Action Report

As many of you may know, South Walton Firefighters mitigated a large fire at the Sandestin Hilton, on 3 October 2010.

Click Here to read the full report: 

Sandestin Hilton After Action Report

Introduce Yourself & Share your experience(s) with YOUR SoWal Firefighters

Here is a chance to introduce yourself with your South Walton Firefighters, and to share your experience(s) you have had with SoWal Firefighters, or tell us what you think of the how we are doing. Whether you are a SoWal local, or here on vacation, if your experience(s) was good, bad, or ugly, your feedback is appreciated, and we appreciate your support. Thank you for your positive comments as well as pointing out suggestions and areas where we can improve.