Sometimes in life You have the opportunity to meet an exceedingly rare person. 

One such person is Sergeant Mark Garland of the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Department.  He has been with the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Department for some 21 years. 

But after 21 years of service to  Okeechobee, he retired on Oct. 31.

What prompted him to choose a law enforcement career?  “I thought it would be interesting and I certainly was not disappointed," he said. "My career in corrections has had its challenges, but it Has provided me with a unique opportunity to influence and impact others in a positive way.” 

Despite tragedies in his life, how was he able to stay focused?

 “Being able to understand that there are not only reasons for what happens but also divine purpose in everything. God can bring good out of bad, healing out of suffering, and joy out of pain," said Garland.

His advice for today's youth: “Accept the fact that some questions in this life will not be answered. And some problems will have no immediate solutions. Hold on to your faith anyway, for life is the ultimate test that That reveals how much faith we have in God and others and in ourselves.” 

 Sgt. Garland, thank you and enjoy your retirement. You earned it.