OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County Commissioners honored county employees for their years of service at the Oct. 22 commission meeting.

5 Year Awards were presented to:

• Alexander Bartoszek – Firefighter/Paramedic – Public Safety

 Alexander Bartoszek is originally from Palm Beach County and is currently in the process of relocating to Okeechobee. Before joining Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, he worked in construction and the marine industry. Alex began his career with Fire Rescue as a Firefighter/Paramedic and is hopeful to promote to Driver Engineer/Paramedic soon. What Alex appreciates most about Okeechobee County Fire Rescue is the personal connection and sense of value within the organization. He feels that employees are recognized as individuals and that the name on their coat means something. Outside of work, Alex enjoys duck hunting, hunting in general, fishing, and spending time outdoors.

• Orlando Castro – Building Maintenance Technician – Infrastructure and Facilities

Orlando Castro is originally from Honduras and came to the United States for an opportunity of a better life. Before joining Okeechobee County, he was self-employed, providing lawn mowing and landscaping services. Orlando works as a Building Maintenance Technician, where he assists electricians, applies his painting skills, and continues to develop his knowledge of building maintenance. He appreciates the good work hours and the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. Outside of work, Orlando enjoys operating heavy equipment and driving semi-trucks.

• James Chambers – Driver Engineer/Paramedic – Public Safety (not pictured)

 James Chambers is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. His grandfather loved to fish and moved to Driver/Engineer. What James enjoys most about working for Okeechobee County is the opportunity to work alongside many of the friends he grew up with. With family still living in the area, he considers it an honor to serve his loved ones and the community that saw him grow up. Outside of work, James has recently rekindled an interest in skateboarding.

• Michael Gratton – Firefighter/Paramedic – Public Safety

Michael Gratton is originally from Jupiter, Florida. He and his family moved to Okeechobee in 2020 to be closer to work. Before joining Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, Mike worked as a mate on sport-fishing boats and traveled the world pursuing his passion for fishing. For the past five years, he has proudly served Okeechobee County as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He enjoys the variety of responsibilities that come with serving in a rural county and looks forward to continuing to grow in his career by soon promoting Driver Engineer/Paramedic. Outside of work, Mike enjoys whitetail deer hunting and fishing. Here’s a fun fact you may not know about Mike: He once worked as a rodeo bullfighter.

• Justin Nelson – Deputy County Administrator – Administration

Justin Nelson is a lifelong Okeechobee local. He spent 15 years in the motorcycle industry before working nearly 20 years in construction management alongside his father. Justin joined Okeechobee County as Capital Improvements Director and advanced through leadership roles to his current position as Deputy County Administrator. He holds a technical degree from Universal Technical Institute, along with numerous professional licenses and certifications, including leadership and county government programs through the Florida Association of Counties. Justin is passionate about serving his community, mentoring staff, and helping others grow professionally. He takes great pride in contributing to Okeechobee County’s continued success and giving back to the community that has supported him and his family throughout his life. Outside of work, he enjoys airboating and spending time outdoors. Most importantly, he is a husband to his wife, Leslie, and a proud father of three children.

• Tippen Padgett – Park Maintenance Technician – Infrastructure and Facilities (not pictured)

Tippen Padgett is originally from Okeechobee. Before joining the County, Tippen worked as an Activities Aide at the Okeechobee Health Care Facility, helping provide activities and engagement for residents. Tippen currently serves as a Park Maintenance Technician with Facilities Maintenance. He is known for being well-organized, punctual, and dependable. He takes initiative in improving his job skills, completes tasks without complaint, and works well as part of a team.

• Michele Watson – Grants Manager – Administration

Michele Watson is originally from Franklinville, New Jersey, and moved to Okeechobee at just 3 years old. Okeechobee has always been home, where she built her life, raised her family, and continues to serve her community. Before joining Okeechobee County, Michele worked in juvenile justice and hospice care, dedicating her career to helping others. She began her County career with Parks and Recreation, later serving as Purchasing Agent before the establishment of the Grants Department, where she now serves as Grants Manager. She takes pride in helping secure funding that supports County programs, infrastructure, and residents. Outside of work, Michele is a proud grandmother of five. She enjoys woodworking, hunting, mudding, and loves spending time outdoors, building things, and making people smile.

10 Year Awards were presented to:

• Lauren Butler – Extension Director – Community Services

 Lauren Butler is originally from San Antonio, Fla., and moved to Okeechobee in 2009 after marrying her husband. Before joining the County Extension Office, she worked as a teacher. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management in Agriculture and a master’s degree in Agricultural Education. Mrs. Butler takes great pride in fulfilling the land-grant university mission of enhancing the quality of human life while serving the needs of Okeechobee County residents and cattle producers.

• Colleen Larson – Dairy/Livestock Agent III – Community Services

 Colleen Larson is originally from Northern New York, grew up in North Central Florida, and has called Okeechobee home for the past 25 years. Before joining Okeechobee County Extension, Colleen taught at Okeechobee High School and Rock Solid Christian Academy and completed special projects for local dairies. Colleen holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition, both from the University of Florida.

20 Year Award  was earned by:

• Cynthia Pearce – Data Entry Clerk/Case Aide – Community Services (not pictured)

Cynthia Pearce is originally from Okeechobee, Florida. Before joining the workforce, she spent her time as a stay-at-home wife and mother, raising her two daughters. Cindy was originally hired as a Data Entry Clerk for Senior Services. She joined the team following her mother’s retirement after 20 years of service. Through her work, Cindy has found great fulfillment in helping and working with the elderly. Over the years, Cindy has enjoyed a variety of crafting projects. Outside of work, one of her greatest joys is being a proud GaGa to four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.