ROCKLAND — City of Rockland Code Enforcement Officer John A. Root, Jr., and Kenneth Blackwell, Assistant Fire Chief of the Rockland Fire Department, were honored during the Monday, April 13, council meeting for their 20 years of service.

Each received a plaque and a certificate of appreciation for their service to the community.

Councilor Larry Pritchett referred to Root as a “GIS” professional, the backing of anything and everything a municipality does. 

“Without John’s skills there, we’d be even further behind than we are,” he said. “So, John, thank you for your work as code officer. More to the point, thank you for doing these other things that are arguably above and beyond.”

Councilor Louse MacLellan-Ruf said: “You have the unenviable position in many ways. You have the ability based on regulations to say yes or no. Some people don’t understand that. That you are so OCD in some ways, obsessive compulsive, about those regulations because you want to make it right, and you want to do the right thing. I have seen you many a time, in this bag, white knuckling, when you’ve had to deal with people who don’t like what you’ve had to say. So this is the biggest white knuckle I could find.”

From a brown paper bag on her desk, MacLellan-Ruf pulled a large white dog bone toy, while continuing to say how much she appreciates working with him.

According to Councilor Valli Geiger, she would not be on the council today had it not been suggested by Root to run for election. Councilor Will Clayton expressed appreciation for Root’s communication at education to the council.

After receiving his recognition, Root stepped to the speakers’ podium. “I would like to thank the city council, the city manager, my staff, and all of the co-workers within the city with whom I work. And most of all, the residents, businesses, and property owners of the city of Rockland. It’s been a real adventure. It’s been interesting, and certainly a challenge. Thank you very much.”

Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Elwell

Councilor Clayton referenced friends in the fire and police department who said, “It takes a very special person to actually run toward a fire, to run toward danger. That’s something that is not lost on myself or my family.”

Councilor Pritchett thanked Elwell for his job in leading the fire team, and for everything else that he does.

Acting Chief Adam Miceli referred to Elwell as a behind-the-scenes person that keeps the department running. 

“A lot of the cost savings that are passed on to the city are due to Ken’s expertise in maintaining the apparatus, the station, and things like that. All of this comes at no small cost to Ken’s family.... I want to thank all of Ken’s family for sharing him with us.”