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:

Burnett plans to enjoy his retirement remaining in Macomb.