SANTA ROSA BEACH — Joe Murzynsky is not your average mechanic.
The South Walton Fire District’s vehicle technician has developed a preventive maintenance program, keeps a budget and acts as the fleet manager. And now Murzynsky is the recipient of Florida’s Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award for 2012.
“It’s exciting,” Murzynsky said. “This is something I just kind of fell into, but it’s a great job. I work with great people and I get great support from senior leadership and the front line. It’s the men and women who serve at South Walton Fire that make the job special.”
After a career in the Air Force and working for Delta Airlines, Murzynsky says he hopes to retire from the fire district, but not anytime soon.
He said he will travel to Daytona Beach on Jan. 24 to receive the award.
Assistant Fire Chief Mark Anderson nominated Murzynsky.
He said Murzynsky not only works as the fire district’s only vehicle technician, but sits on the Department Relations and Safety committees.
“He has done so much for us,” Anderson said. “If people call 911 they expect us to be there, and he makes sure our vehicles are on the road.
“We have always been proud to have Joe, and for him to be Florida’s EVT of the Year, that’s real fitting for Joe,” he added. “We stand behind that, and I’m honored that he’s from South Walton Fire District.”
