Latest news with #WaltonCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Walton County Commissioners recognizes multiple staff members at BCC Meeting
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners acknowledged numerous staff members at their BCC meeting on Tuesday. According to a news release, Court Security Sergeant Bobby Hoke of WCSO, Human Resources Generalist Samantha Spain, staff member Jennifer Anderson, long-time staff member Dave Sell, and Walton County Planning Director Mac Carpenter were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Although Hoke was recognized previously before his retirement, during Tuesday's meeting, he was honored with a plaque commemorating his 25 years of dedicated service to Walton County, with 17 of those years spent maintaining order at commission meetings. Commission Chair Donna Johns read the plaque's inscription, pointing out that Hoke displayed 'unwavering dedication to maintaining order at our meetings. Your steadfast commitment and courage have made a lasting impact. With deep gratitude, we celebrate your legacy.' Spain was recognized as Employee of the Quarter and County Administrator Stan Sunday voiced his gratitude for her, stating that due to a 'transition in leadership in the Human Resources Department during that time and in the absence of a department director, Ms. Spain stepped up and carried the weight of the department. She went out of her way to coach, teach, and mentor.' The current Human Resources Director, Tarey Franxman, also expressed his appreciation for Spain, stating, 'She kept the department running and made sure work was processed in a timely manner, she followed up with all the departments, and I've got nothing but praise for the great job she did.' 'Everybody in the department deserves this award. We all worked really hard with the unprecedented times we were in, and I couldn't have done it without their support,' Spain added. Anderson, Assistant County Veterans Services Officer, was unable to attend the meeting and will be honored at the next meeting. However, she was named the Exceptional Customer Service of the Quarter recipient. Sell, a 22-year county veteran, was honored in recognition of his upcoming retirement. Sunday said that Sell started his career with the county in TDC Beach Operations, then moved to administration as Risk and Safety Manager, and lately has worked in Facilities Maintenance as Project Manager. Facilities Maintenance Director Brad Alford admired Sell, stating that 'I've had the honor of working with him for the last two years, and he has been a joy to work around. So, in this well-deserved next chapter of your life, we wish you nothing but the best.' Carpenter, who will be retiring in a few days, was thanked by Sunday for '17 and a half years of dedicated service to the growth and betterment of Walton County. Your professionalism and contributions to our community will be remembered and appreciated with sincere gratitude by the Walton County Commissioners.' Carpenter had told the commissioners how much he enjoyed his time with Walton County and recalled some of the challenges the county faced during his time there. 'I am so proud of the staff in the Planning Department. They work tremendously hard every day for our citizens, and they have supported me for all of these years. For that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for the opportunity,' Carpenter said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Walton County OKs memorial for 3 men killed in 2004 AirHeart One crash
SANTA ROSA BEACH — A new memorial will be built at Thomas Pilcher Park in honor of the crew of AirHeart One, following a directive from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners on April 22. The memorial will be constructed in collaboration with the South Walton Fire District. The tribute is to recognize Tom Palcic, pilot; Jack Chase, flight nurse; and Robert Heighton, paramedic, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Oct. 20, 2004. On that night, AirHeart One took off from the Walton County Sheriff's Office heliport in Santa Rosa Beach to transport a patient to Pensacola. Shortly after takeoff, Heighton reported that the crew would return because of poor weather conditions. That was the last communication heard from the helicopter. At 6:10 a.m., a relief pilot reported the crew missing, and by 8:20 a.m., wreckage was found in Choctawhatchee Bay. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the crash was caused by the pilot's disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a fatal loss of control. South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford addressed county commissioners, reflecting on the 21-year anniversary of the crash. "We are here to ask for your support to recognize these three men and their service to this community," he said. Commissioner Tony Anderson, who brought the issue to the board, confirmed that the South Walton Fire District's budget would cover the cost of the memorial. Commissioner Danny Glidewell asked whether it could be completed by October, the 21st anniversary of the crash. Crawford and Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez told the board that they aim to finish it by then. Crawford added that the memorial's cost could reach $8,000. Anderson and Commissioner Dan Curry pledged to contribute from their discretionary funds if additional funding is needed. The board will approve the final plans and funding at a later date. This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Walton County OKs memorial for fallen crew of AirHeart One
