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Sumter County honors public‑safety officers and recognizes county support for Marine training
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Summary
Council presented awards to county public‑safety honorees, accepted a plaque from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit recognizing Sumter County as a training partner, and heard brief committee and administrator reports and public comments.
Sumter County Council opened its Feb. 13 meeting with recognition of the 2023 American Legion Public Safety Officers of the Year, awarding gifts to Division Chief Hal Watts (Firefighter of the Year), Sgt. Robert Beckford (Police Officer of the Year), Sr. Cpl. Joshua Howell (Detention Officer of the Year), Lt. James Watson (EMS Technician of the Year), and Sgt. Mike McCauley (Sheriff's Deputy and Law Enforcement Officer honoree). Fire and law‑enforcement leaders introduced each honoree and Chairman James T. McCain Jr. presented gifts on behalf of the county.
Lt. Col. Raymond Kaster of II MEF's Expeditionary Operations Training Group and NCIS agent Jason Bettis presented a plaque recognizing Sumter County as a training partner for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit; Chairman McCain and others thanked the Marine team and county staff for their cooperation and the full room applauded.
The Administrator asked Council to prepare for a special meeting to compile proposed projects for the Capital Projects Sales Tax referendum planned for November 2024. During public comment, a teacher from Pocalla Springs Elementary, Desire Webb, urged action to "Save The Beavers" near Pinewood Road as part of a classroom project; other speakers addressed the business‑license debate, an upcoming litter pickup and neighborhood patrols. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.