10/21/2026
| Retired South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Assistant Chief of Operations Brian Hughes has been recognized by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association as a co-recipient of the Frank A. Babinec Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health.
Hughes received the prestigious award during the opening ceremonies of the FFCA Safety and Health Conference on October 19, 2026, in Orlando. The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have created lasting improvements in firefighter safety, health, and wellness.
During his 25-year career with SWFD, Hughes helped establish programs and strengthen practices designed to reduce occupational risks and improve the long-term health and safety of personnel. His contributions included establishing the district’s Firefighter Rehabilitation and Air Unit; expanding annual physicals to include enhanced cancer screening and cardiac risk assessments; strengthening cancer prevention, decontamination, and exposure reduction practices; and developing on-site physical therapy with injury prevention services.
“Brian’s impact on firefighter safety and health is reflected in the programs he helped establish and the lasting changes he brought to our organization and the Florida fire service,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “His commitment to protecting firefighters has made a difference for our members and will continue to benefit the profession for years to come. This recognition is a fitting tribute to his career and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Hughes’ influence extended beyond South Walton in his role as the first Northwest Florida Regional Director for the Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative. He helped advance firefighter cancer prevention initiatives and worked to provide departments throughout Florida with resources to implement effective on-scene decontamination practices.
Throughout his career, Hughes consistently turned lessons learned into improvements in equipment, training, policies, and daily operations. SWFD congratulates Hughes on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his lasting contributions to the district, its members, and the Florida fire service.
