Wakulla County Fire Chief Louis Lamarche has announced plans to retire in June of 2027 after almost two decades of service to the Wakulla area. Lamarche joined the Wakulla County Fire and Rescue in 2007 and was named Fire Chief in 2016.
Lamarche started his career in fire and emergency medical services at Chipola College. He earned certifications as a Fire Officer 1 and 2 and a Fire Training Instructor at Gulf Coast Community College.
Lamarche would use his education at the Lynn Haven Fire Department in Bay County until his transfer to Wakulla County Fire and Rescue. During his time in Wakulla, Lamarche earned a Paramedic certification from North Florida College and served four years as a paramedic with Franklin County EMS.
As Fire Chief, Lamarche worked closely with county administration to secure multiple Class A pumper fire engines. He also helped with the planning and opening of a new 13,600-square-foot Fire Rescue Station in 2019.
“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 in a statement sent to WFSU. “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.”
Lamarche credits the team he surrounded himself with for being able to help serve the community over the past twenty years.
“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,” Lamarche said in a statement sent to WFSU.
As Lamarche prepares for his June 2027 retirement, 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.
