2020-06-16 Certificate - B. Saum Retirement3a
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Office of the Mayor
City of Okeechobee, Florida
WHEREAS, Mr. William J. Saum, fondly known as Bill, began his public service career in the Street
Division of the Public Works Department as a Motor Equipment Operator on April 24,1981. The notes
from his April 13, 1981, interview with Director L.C. Fortner provided him as the top applicant based
on his seven years' experience in driving tractors, three and a half years' experience in lawn
maintenance, and two months experience driving trucks; and
WHEREAS, on October 2, 1982, a request to transfer to the Police Department to fill a Dispatcher position
was approved by Chief Mobley. Then on May 27, 1985, his title changed to Patrolman Trainee, as the
City Police Department sponsored Bill to enroll in the Police Academy at the Indian River
Community College. He attended from October 7, 1985, until achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a
Police Officer on December 18, 1985. He proudly served as an Officer assigned to the Road Patrol until
June 30, 1997, when he transferred to the Detective Division for the remainder of his tenure. His
commendable professionalism as a Detective and Department Liaison for several Neighborhood
Watch Programs is evidenced by the many letters of commendation and correspondences of
appreciation issued from the Office of the State Attorney and citizens of the community; and
WHEREAS, education has been an important key to Bill's leadership. During his 35 years as an Officer
he obtained 132 certificates of completion for attending seminars, conferences, training, and
continuing education classes; and
WHEREAS, being admired by his co-workers as impartial and fair, Bill was selected to represent the
Department on the City-wide Employee Grievance Committee for many years, serving from 1990 to
1995, 2002 to 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2014 to 2016; and
WHEREAS, during his 38 years in the Police Department, Bill served under the guidance of Police Chief
Larry Mobley, Rehmund Farrenkopf, Dennis Davis, and Robert Peterson; all of whom have described
him as an asset to the City due to his dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to care for
the well-being of the citizens and his fellow Officers.
NOW, THEREFORE, this Certificate is being presented this 16th day of June, 2020, upon 39 years of
faithful public service, in recognition of Bill's Retirement as of June 30, 2020. Retirement is a time to
look back with admiration and look forward with anticipation. Your City family wishes you all the
best on your next chapter!
�our/im2 lw. �� a ATTEST: &a-n"16a
Mayor City Clerk