OKEECHOBEE — After Hurricane IAN, we realized we needed a way to run the traffic lights at various intersections within the county.

Sheriff Noel E. Stephen had an idea to utilize portable diesel engine-based light plants to handle the traffic lights' electric load and light the intersection while the power was out, thus helping make it even safer.

Sheriff Stephen directed staff to apply to the Florida Sheriff's Association - Shared Asset Program for Financial Assistance to purchase four light plant generators.

The shared asset program is utilized by all county sheriffs and allows, as the name says, to share assets in times of need.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office was granted funds that covered the entire costs of the light plant generators.

These generators will be kept here for our community and utilized for emergency responses, critical infrastructure failures, unique details, special events, or other necessary activities to enhance public safety.