OKEECHOBEE — Two Okeechobee City Police Officers were recognized during the March 21 Okeechobee City Council Meeting. Sgt. Jessica Francis and Sgt. Cody Daigneault were both promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2022. Francis was hired in 2018, and Daigneault was hired in 2019.

Police Chief Donald Hagan said of Francis, “I’d like to give a special thanks to the sheriff for training her.” Francis began her career in law enforcement with the sheriff’s office before making a move to the city. She is well-known throughout Okeechobee mostly because where she goes, her K9 partner Luna goes too. Her biggest concern when being promoted was whether she would be allowed to continue working with Luna.

About Daigneault, the chief said he started out in the suxilary and when an opening came up for a full-time officer, there was no hesitation on anyone’s part in hiring him to fill the spot. “He is a hard worker who shows excellence and leadership in everything he does.”

Detective Sgt. Aurelio Almazan was promoted to Detective Sgt. last year but was unable to attend the ceremony. Almazan began his career in dispatch in 2008. In 2014, he became an officer. In 2017, he was promoted to sergeant.