OKEECHOBEE – Earl Wooten was confirmed as the new Okeechobee County Fire Rescue public safety director at the March 9 meeting of the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners in the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse.

According to the staff report, on February 2023, Public Safety Director Ralph Franklin announced his retirement effective May 2, 2023, with his last working day being April 28, 2023. Deputy Public Safety Director Wooten has been preparing for the Public Safety Director position upon Chief Franklin’s retirement and acknowledged his interest in filling the position.

Wooten has been a resident of Okeechobee County for over 30 years and has served in the capacity of Deputy Public Safety Director/Deputy Fire Chief from 2018 to present date. Wooten has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of public safety and he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration. He is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer program with an expected graduation date in the later part of 2023.

“I pledge to do my best each day to keep moving the department forward,” said Wooten. “Without the continuous support of my family and my wife none of this would be possible,” he added.