We commend retired Maj. Donald Lacks for his public service to the men and women of Charlotte County through his many years in law enforcement.

Last Tuesday, members of the county’s board of supervisors honored both Lacks and retired Capt. Howard D. Hobgood with resolutions commending their service to the public.

According to the resolution, Lacks began his career in June 1987 as a deputy sheriff and would rise through the ranks to become an investigator, lieutenant, captain and major.

According to the resolution, “Lacks dedicated his career to public service, earning the respect of those he served with and those he was entrusted to serve and protect.”

He officially retired on March 31.

Lacks has seen many, many changes in law enforcement, adapting along the way, and we thank him for his leadership, dedication and citizen leadership to our community, which is better because of his service.

In the resolution, supervisors expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the years of dedication, service and hard work offered by the two men.

“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with you and know you,” said County Seat Supervisor Board Chairman Gary Walker to the two during the meeting.

He said both Hobgood and Lacks made many sacrifices over the years and words couldn’t express his appreciation.

“I’d like to thank the board for making this presentation,” Sheriff Thomas D. Jones said during the meeting. “I especially want to thank (Hobgood and Lacks) for the years of service that they gave to Charlotte County … They cared and they lost a lot of sleep at different times protecting the county.”

As Gazette Community Editor Italia Gregory noted in a March staff column, we thank and commend Lacks for his hard work and keeping us safe for so many years.