CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater Announces Doug Watler as Professional Firefighter of the Year
3/2/2016
Contact: Ashley Carr
(850) 413-2842
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater yesterday announced Doug Watler, District Vice President of the Florida Professional Firefighters and President of the City of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue, as the Professional Firefighter of the Year award winner at the Fire Service Awards ceremony in Tallahassee. This annual awards ceremony is held to reward and honor those in the fire service community who have shown excellence in their profession.
Once inspired by the 1970s television show “Emergency,” Captain Watler has long held a passion for the fire service. He began serving his community as a pool lifeguard with the City of Hialeah and would later become certified as both a firefighter and EMT.
Additionally, Captain Watler has had the opportunity to work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Kids Camp; the Pink Heals Pink Fire Trucks cancer awareness event; and the construction of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the Capitol grounds, which honors the ultimate sacrifice Florida firefighters have made for their fellow Floridians.
Captain Watler was nominated by the Florida Professional Firefighters.
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Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).