County Fire Rescue Leaders Meet with State and Local Officials in Chipley

By: Shelia Mader

County Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner and Emergency Management Director/Fire Rescue Operations Chief Keith Maddox recently attended the quarterly EMS Leadership Luncheon hosted by Washington County EMS in Chipley.

During the event, the chiefs had the honor of meeting Sheriff Kevin Crews and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Chief Brunner expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “We’re very grateful that Attorney General Uthmeier took the time to visit with us and listen to some of the concerns impacting our region. It’s always encouraging to see state leaders engaging directly with those serving our communities every day.”

The luncheon, which rotates between Jackson, Holmes, and Washington Counties, provides a chance for regional EMS and fire leadership to discuss current issues in emergency services, share best practices, and strengthen interagency cooperation.

“We rotate locations, sometimes we meet here, sometimes in Chipley,” Chief Brunner explained. “We talk about topics that affect EMS, like billing, best practices, and ways our neighboring agencies can support one another.”

Washington County EMS typically covers lunch expenses for the event, using funds from agency fundraisers.

Chief Brunner added a note of appreciation, “A special thanks to Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews and Washington County EMS Chief Randy Truitt for hosting the luncheon and arranging the visit with Attorney General Uthmeier.”

County Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner continues to exemplify strong leadership and dedication to his crews, qualities that make him, as many say, “the best Chief in the state.”