Seven city employees, with a total of 207 years of service. retire this spring.

They are

Tim Clontz: 27 years with the City of Florence. Tim joined the City’s Police Department on April 23, 1984. During his tenure with the City, Tim served as an investigator and as a motorcycle officer. He was selected to provide security escorts to Barack Obama (while campaigning) and Vice President Dan Quayle. Before retiring on March 16, 2012, Tim achieved the rank of Sergeant.

Carlos Washington: 30 years with the City of Florence. Carlos began his career as a City of Florence firefighter on October 16, 1981. He began as a firefighter, worked his way to Fire Marshal where he served for 17 years. He was promoted to Assistant to the Chief in 2005. He was responsible for supervising special projects and logistics for the department.

Danny Wright: 30 years with the City of Florence. Danny began his career with the City as a firefighter on October 16, 1981. As a firefighter/ driver he was responsible for the operation of several pieces of fire apparatus. Throughout his tenure with the City Danny was always ready to take new recruits under his wing and assist in their orientation and training.

Ted Hanna: 25 years with the City of Florence. Ted joined the City of Florence as a firefighter on February 23, 1987, rising through the ranks to the position of Fire Captain at the time of his retirement on February 29, 2012. During his tenure Ted has served as a role model for fellow firefighters, providing them understanding and training guidance in the development of their skills and knowledge. Ted served on the Fire Department’s hiring interview board.

James Rogers: 29 years with the City of Florence. James joined the City of Florence February 14, 1983. James served as the first South Region Commander and was later selected to serve as the Assistant Commander of Criminal Investigations Division. He had risen to the rank of lieutenant before he retired on March 14, 2012.

Archie Smith: 32 years with the City of Florence. Archie joined the City of Florence on May 28, 1979, and served as Tennis Pro for his entire tenure, introducing countless people of all ages to tennis. Archie was recently awarded the Florence Tennis Association’s President’s award. Arched retired on February 29, 2012.

William “Ricky” Kirkland: 34 years with the City of Florence. Ricky joined the City of Florence on Feb. 2, 1978. He worked in various capacities as meter reader, meter reader supervisor, and utility operations manager. Ricky was instrumental in managing the consolidation and operation of the distribution and collection utility systems, utilizing the same level of personnel. He held both water distribution operator and wastewater collection operator certifications. Ricky served as Utility Operation Division Manager.