Coming from a family of firefighters and working in a state with some of the best of them, South Walton Fire District Chief Rick Talbert’s award for Fire Chief of the Year for 2009 is impressive.
“It’s extremely hard to get this award,” Deputy Chief Sean Hughes said. “You have to be chosen by a group of peers. He was chosen among all the fire chiefs in the state of Florida, and the fire service in Florida is very progressive. You really can say he was chosen among the best of the best.”
Talbert, who has been in the fire service going on 32 years, was named the year’s top fire chief last July. He was honored by Gov. Charlie Crist and members of the Legislature on Tuesday in Tallahassee.
“This is very humbling,” Talbert said after receiving his award. “Standing among your peers and just the whole full measure of going on 32 years in the fire service, there’s a lot of pride and it’s very, very humbling.”
Talbert began working as a third-generation firefighter in 1978 in Marion County. He has been fire chief and administrator for South Walton since 2007.
He was chosen by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association for his commitment and dedication to serving and protecting the residents of South Walton, according to a news release from Sen. Don Gaetz.
“Chief Talbert has made all of Northwest Florida proud today,” Gaetz said in the release. “For those who know him and see his leadership in action, this award is certainly no surprise. He is Florida’s best.”
Hughes said Talbert’s recognition comes from a combination of hard work and dedication to his community.
“He’s dedicated to his job, the agency he serves and the community he serves,” Hughes said. “It’s been a lifelong endeavor for him. Just look at what he’s done and given up for the community. It’s a culmination of his life work.”
Talbert said the plaque, which he described as pretty large, will most likely hang in the fire station. He hasn’t decided where that will be.
“It’s rather large, but we’ll find some place for it,” he said. “I’m thankful to be able to bring some good service to South Walton Fire Department and to the men and women of South Walton.”
Super job Chief. SWFD continues to strive for perfection....
