Alan J. Edwards (20 Years of Service) Division: Fire Rescue Position: Fire Company Lieutenant 56 - Hired: April 4, 1994 - Lieutenant Alan Edwards began his career with Polk County in 1994 as a Firefighter. He has since been promoted to Driver Engineer and to his current position, Fire Company Lieutenant. - Alan has earned a two-year degree in Fire Science. - Alan s commendations include Presidents Roundtable Award Honorable Mention 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2004-2005; Firefighter of the Year, 2009-2010; Fire Officer of the Year for 2011, and the Fire Chief Award in 2009. - His hobbies are hunting and bow fishing. - Alan and his wife, Cheryl, have one son, Alan Edwards Jr., who is 18. - In future years, Alan expects to promote within the division, retire, and then start it all again.
Gary D. Ray (20 Years of Service) Division: Fleet Management Position: Shop Supervisor - Hired: April 11, 1994 - Gary Ray s first position with the County was as EVS Equipment Operator 3 at the landfill. He later transferred to Fleet Management, serving as Technician III prior to his current position, Shop Supervisor. - Gary is certified as ASE Master Technician Automotive and ASE Master Technician Medium Heavy Duty. - He enjoys restoring old trucks in his spare time. - Gary s family includes his wife of 35 years, Loretta; son Shane; daughter Heather; grandsons Austin, age 8; Kobe, age 7; and granddaughter Addi, who is 6. - Gary hopes to eventually retire to the mountains.
Donald R. Don Bridges Division: Transportation Position: Service Worker/Equipment Operator III - Hired: April 18, 1989 - Don Bridges, currently Service Worker/Equipment Operator III for the Frostproof Roadway Maintenance Unit, began his career with Polk County 25 years ago. His previous positions were Service Worker/Equipment Operator I and Service Worker/Equipment Operator II. - Don is a high school graduate, and has also received OSHA certification. - He has twice been named Employee of the Month. - His hobbies are playing with his grandchildren and fishing. - Don and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 44 years. They have two children Don Jr. and Amy. They also have three grandchildren: Aiden, age 7; Landon, age 6; and Ethan, 9 months. - Don s future plans are to retire, spend time with his family, and go fishing.
Ann L. Resmondo Division: Information Technology Position: Service Desk Operator - Hired: April 17, 1989 - Ann Resmondo began her career as a Production Control Clerk with Polk County Data Processing (as it was known back then) in 1989. She was promoted to Help Desk Operator in 1995. The position name has since been changed to Service Desk Operator. As a Service Desk Operator, Ann solves many PC and network-related problems. - Ann is very efficient with Microsoft Suite products and many of the technical applications used by the BoCC. In June 2010 she became an HDI (Help Desk Institute) Certified Help Desk Institute Support Center Analyst. HDI is an internationally recognized organization that was founded in 1989. - Ann s hobbies include camping, fishing, and watching movies. - Her family includes her husband Tony, who is retired; son Scott, who works in Information Technology for the Polk County Tax Collector, and her dog, Izzy. - Ann was born and raised in England, moving to the USA in 1979. - Ann probably has more stories about requests from her customers, the majority of whom are BoCC employees, than we can imagine. It s good for us that she doesn t tell! - She plans to continue her career at the Service Desk until she can join her husband in retirement.
Rosalind Fields Smith Division: Parks and Natural Resources Position: Administrative Supervisor - Hired: April 1, 1989 - Prior to her current position as Administrative Supervisor in Parks and Natural Resources, Rosalind Smith worked in Housing and Neighborhood Development for 10 years as Housing Rehabilitation Technician and 12 years as Housing Development Specialist. - Rosalind graduated from Kathleen Senior High, and attended Polk State College and Florida Southern College. She is certified as a Community Development Practitioner. - Rosalind is a licensed minister. She is a member of Christ Community Christian Center Church. - Her hobbies are teaching, singing, ministering to young adults, and studying the Word of God. - Rosalind s family includes Walter L. Smith Sr., her husband of 30 years; son Walter L. Smith Jr. and his wife, Ryan; and son Robert Smith. Both sons are recent graduates of FIU. - Following retirement, Rosalind plans to own and operate a family business.
Joe E. Stewart Division: Fire Rescue Position: Battalion Chief 56 - Hired: February 14, 1989 - Joe Stewart began his career with Polk County 25 years ago as a Volunteer Firefighter. He has served as Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, and now as Battalion Chief. - Joe is certified as an EMT, Company Officer I, Fire Inspector, and Fire Instructor. He has taught Hydraulics and Pump classes for 12 years at Ridge Technical Center and for Polk County Fire Rescue. - Joe is active in the community. He is a volunteer Judging Team Coach for Groveland FFA, a member of Green Pond Baptist Church, Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 133, and a member of Florida Flywheelers. - In 2002, Joe was named Fire Officer of the Year. - His hobbies are collecting antique tractors, flywheel engines, and antique tools. He also enjoys hunting and fishing. - Joe has been married to his wife Lisa for 22 years; their children are daughter Emily, who is 12, and son Brody, who is 10. - Joe s plans for the future include crossing over as a Boy Scout Leader with his son, and continuing to work towards retirement.