OKEECHOBEE — Ralph Franklin was honored by the Okeechobee County Commission at the April 27 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission. Commission Chairman David Hazellief thanked the chief for this service and for training the firefighter/EMTs who will serve the county in the future. Franklin thanked the board for supporting him and for supporting the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue Department. “It’s been fun. We accomplished a lot. But it’s them (referencing the firefighter/EMTs in the audience) not me.” Left to right are Commissioner Brad Goodbread, Commissioner Terry Burroughs, Commissioner Kelly Owens, Commissioner Frank DeCarlo, Chief Franklin and Commission Chairman David Hazellief. Chief Ralph Franklin Jr., has been employed with the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners since Sept. 29, 2014. He has retired effective May 2, 2023.