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PRESS RELEASE
Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners
August 19, 2026
Wakulla County Fire Chief Announces Retirement
Fire Chief Louis Lamarche will retire in June 2027, after more than two decades of dedicated public service
(CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla.) – Wakulla County Fire Chief Louis Lamarche has announced his plans to retire in June 2027, concluding a distinguished career in public safety that began more than two decades ago and has been marked by steady leadership, operational improvements, and an unwavering commitment to the residents of Wakulla County.
Chief Lamarche began his career in fire and emergency medical services after completing his Firefighter education at Chipola College. He went on to earn certifications as a Fire Officer I and II and as a Fire Training Instructor through Gulf Coast Community College.
Prior to joining Wakulla County Fire Rescue in 2007, Chief Lamarche served with the Lynn Haven Fire Department in Bay County. During his career with Wakulla County, he continued his professional development and earned his Paramedic certification through North Florida College. He also served for four years as a PRN EMT and Paramedic with Franklin County EMS, gaining additional experience in emergency medical services.
In 2016, Chief Lamarche was appointed Fire Chief of Wakulla County Fire Rescue. Since that time, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Wakulla County. Throughout his tenure, he has remained dedicated to strengthening the department, developing its personnel, and meeting the evolving public safety needs of the community.
“Under Chief Lamarche’s leadership, Wakulla County Fire Rescue grew from a small rural operation into one of the premier first responder agencies in the State of Florida.” said County Administrator David Edwards. “His professionalism, integrity, and steadfast dedication to our community and the men and women of Wakulla County Fire Rescue have been exemplary. His departure will be a significant loss to us.”
Throughout his tenure, Chief Lamarche has been a valued local leader focused on building a modern, integrated fire-rescue system that delivers both advanced life support and fire suppression as part of a unified emergency response system. Under his leadership, the department expanded its fleet of ambulances and apparatus, improved training and preparedness, and strengthened community resilience.
“Everything we have accomplished has been a team effort. I’ve always believed that my responsibility as Chief is to support the people who serve this community every day and to leave the department stronger than I found it. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside them,” said Chief Lamarche.
During his tenure as Fire Chief, Chief Lamarche oversaw several critical equipment acquisitions and capital improvements that strengthened the department’s ability to provide uninterrupted emergency services to the community. Working closely with County Administration and his staff, he secured the emergency purchase of multiple Class A pumper fire engines following significant apparatus failures that threatened the department’s operational readiness.
Chief Lamarche also guided the planning and opening of the new 13,600-square-foot Fire Rescue Station on Trice Lane in 2019. The facility was designed to bring command staff and front-line personnel together under one roof, improving communication, coordination, and the overall efficiency of department operations.
As he prepares for his June 2027 retirement, Chief Lamarche looks forward to spending more time with his wife Amy and their family.
The County will soon begin formal preparations for a seamless leadership transition. Current Assistant Fire Chief Richard Lewis will move into the Fire Chief position, while EMS Division Chief Randall Waltman will assume the role of Assistant Fire Chief.
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