Tammy Malphurs Named Beach Safety Director

Posted On: August 6, 2024

The Volusia County Council didn't have to look far in its search for a new beach safety director. She was already at the helm, leading the busy division as interim director.

During its Aug. 6 meeting, the County Council approved the appointment of Tammy Malphurs, a 27-year veteran of the Beach Safety Division, to director.

Malphurs joined the division as a part-time lifeguard in 1997 and went on to become a triple-trained lifeguard, emergency medical technician, law enforcement officer, and public information officer. Her commitment and expertise led to several promotions, including deputy chief in 2022 and interim director in 2024.

"Tammy has consistently demonstrated leadership and dedication to public safety," noted County Manager George Recktenwald. "She's skilled in search and rescue, swift water rescue, high angle rescue, and confined space rescue. She has been deployed to every natural disaster activation since the massive wildfires of 1998. Notably, she was deployed to Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina, providing critical support in a time of need."

Malphurs has an associate degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of Daytona State College's Law Enforcement Academy. She has furthered her professional development by earning a trilogy certificate from the FBI's leadership series and undergoing advanced PIO training through FEMA and the FBI.

As president of the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association since 2020, she leads efforts to maintain high standards in professional surf lifesaving and promote public safety through awareness and education programs.