Three city of Ocala employees were given service awards for their decades of employment with the city during Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.
The awards were given out by City Manager John Zobler to two employees celebrating 20 years with the city, and to another who was celebrating his 15-year anniversary with the city.
Nate Jackson first started working for the city of Ocala in 1999. Jackson, who was still in high school at the time, had to take time off during his first week on the job to attend his high school graduation, according to Zobler.
After starting as a maintenance worker for the public works street division, Jackson received multiple promotions and in 2017 became a foreman with the city.
In addition to his long career with the city, Jackson is an ordained deacon for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
“Nate, on behalf of the city, thank you for 20 years of very hard work,” said Zobler before he presented Jackson with a service pin.
James Williams IV was also commended for 20 years of service with the city of Ocala. After beginning his fire career in 1997 with the city of Newberry, Williams joined Ocala Fire Rescue in May of 1999 and has been a member of search and rescue teams that even saw him lend assistance during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina.
Williams is currently a Paramedic Captain with Engine Company No. 5, which is the biggest company in the city, according to Zobler.
The final award of the afternoon was given to John Roach III for his 15 years of service with the city of Ocala.
Roach started his career with the city of Ocala on May 24, 2004 as a maintenance worker for the Recreation and Parks Department.
Since then, Roach has worked for the city’s Public Works and the Water Resources Departments.
“In 2018, [Roach] received 7 kudos from citizens” said Zobler. Zobler went on to explain that even though it is rare for citizens to take the time to write a letter to the city to offer thanks for a city employee, Roach has received 20 such letters in the time that he has been working for the city, and over half a dozen last year alone.
“Throughout his career, regardless of what department he has been in, he has gotten over 20 of these letters from citizens in our community. We think all of our employees are great, but there’s no better example of ‘Mr. Ocala’ than John Roach,” said Zobler.
The city of Ocala encourages all of its residents to share feedback on their experiences with employees and city staff. If you would like to share your opinion, click here to visit the city’s feedback form.Â