NAFA Excellence In Education Award Winner Walter Burnett, CAFM, Retires

Walter Burnett, CAFM, closed the book on an impressive 38-year career of public service on April 30, retiring from the Public Works Director post for the City of Macomb, Ill. Previously, Burnett was Fleet Manager for the City of Beverly Hills, Calif., where he retired in 2006.

Burnett was a nominee for the Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007, a recipient of NAFA's Excellence in Education Award in 2007, and served as Education Development Committee Chair from 2007 to 2009. He received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal Certification with more than ninety percent ASE-certified technicians during his time in Beverly Hills.

Another accomplishment during that time period was developing a National Incident Management System (NIMS)-compliant emergency-response system integrating the fleet department into the city’s emergency support operations. Through this, fleet services became an important part of the city’s emergency response team.

During his time with the City of Macomb, Burnett contributed to the founding of the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, the first statewide member-organized public works mutual aid organization in the U.S.

Burnett's service to fleet oversight and education is a remarkable record of participation and achievement. Among his credits during his time with NAFA are:

2001-02 Regional Trustee of the Board
2002-05 Secretary of the Board
1992-95 Chair, Public Service Fleet Committee
1993-97 Member, National Certification Board
1998-99 Vice Chair, Pacific Southwest Chapter
1999-2000 Chair, Pacific Southwest Chapter
1999-2000 Member, National Fuels and Technology
2000-01 Chair, National Fuels and Technology
2000-01 Member, Education Development Committee
2002-07 Reporting VP/Officer/Trustee, National Fuels and Technology
2003-04 Reporting VP/Officer/Trustee, National Public Safety Group
2003-04 Member, Education Steering Board
2004-05 Chair, National Board of Delegates
2004-06 Vice President
2006-07 Treasurer
2007-09 Chair, National Education Development Committee
2007-09 Member, I&E Curriculum Committee
2007-09 Member, Education Steering Board
2007-08 Member, National Public Safety Group
2009-2010 Member, Certification Corporate Creation Advisory Group
2010-2011 Member, CPFC Review Group

Burnett plans to enjoy his retirement remaining in Macomb.

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