Chief Clifford Paxson was honored with a plaque during his last meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Paxson’s last day in office is Nov. 30 and he has plans to move and work to earn a master’s degree.
Chief Clifford Paxson attended his last South Trail Fire & Rescue Station Board of Commissioners meeting recently with a group of his peers in south Fort Myers.
The chief, who has held the position for 10 years, was presented with a plaque of his badges since he began working for the station 25 years ago.
"It's difficult to put into words how I feel and no one individual can take credit for what has happened here," said Paxson before giving his last report to commissioners at Station No. 3.
"It takes a good group of people who work hard to service this community and do what we've done."
During Paxson's time in office, he has worked as a fire inspector, fire marshal, deputy chief and assistant fire chief.
He has used that experience to collect a surplus of $1 million and made significant efforts to get equipment needed to keep his staff of 85 safe as the fire chief.
"It will be a loss. Not only am I losing a good leader. ... I'm losing a friend," said Craig Brotheim, the fire marshal, who has known Paxson since he was 16.
William Lombardo will take over Paxson's job on Dec. 1.
"It was difficult to prepare for this meeting because I have mixed emotions ... it will be a difficult transition for me," said Paxson, 47, who will spend his retirement as a student.
He is moving to Kansas and will be working toward his master's in Public Administration.
"It's bittersweet ... it's a new phase of life" Paxson said.
The Board of Commissioners also took a few moments during the meeting to hold its annual November election.
Commissioners Richard Neville, Robert Gaskill and John Anderson were re-elected to their current positions as chair, vice chair and secretary-treasurer respectively.
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