Walton County Sheriff’s Office Makes Major Donation to Northwest Florida State College’s Walton Works Public Safety Training Program
November 16, 2020
On a sunny November afternoon, members of the Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) leadership team and Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Directors joined together to celebrate the donation of a fire truck, ambulance and 40 SCBA packs (self-contained breathing apparatus – air packs) from the WCSO’s Fire Rescue Division to NWFSC’s Walton Works Public Safety Program. The 16-year old fire truck and ambulance are in mint condition and will be used for student training opportunities at the Walton Works Fire Tower site, located adjacent to the WCSO Complex.
“With this donation, we are equipping NWFSC students with practical, hands-on training aids,” said Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, Jr. “We are committed to excellence and Northwest Florida State College trains the best, making this the perfect partnership.”
Northwest Florida State College’s Walton Works project expands career education programs in public safety (law enforcement, fire, emergency medical technician (EMT)), as well as cybersecurity, drone technology and building trades (plumbing, electrical, welding, millwright and construction). All courses will be taught in Walton County at either NWFSC’s Chautauqua Center Walton Works Training Center of Excellence or at the joint Fire Training Facility on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Complex.
“With a shared vision for excellence, we are creating a preeminent training facility that will transform the career opportunities available for the citizens of Walton County and the entire Northwest Florida Region,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “I am grateful for Sheriff Adkinson and his team for their selfless service to our community and commitment to training future generations to make a difference.”
For further information about the NWFSC Walton Works Training Center of Excellence and the Public Safety Program, contact Dr. Michael Erny, Dean of Career Education, at 850-729-6051 or ernym@nwfsc.edu.