Agenda Item 6AAGENDA ITEM # 6A
JANUARY 9, 2012
RESOLUTIONNO. 12 -01
A RESOL UTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA HONORING DAVID
THOMPSON FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE CITY OFATLANTIC BEACH
WHEREAS, on December 1, 1983, David Thompson began work for the City of Atlantic Beach as Police Chief,
and was the driving force behind building one of the best police departments in Florida resulting in low crime rates and a
high level of services to the citizens of Atlantic Beach through quick response times, and the friendliness and
professionalism of the officers; and
WHEREAS, his energy and enthusiasm for accepting new challenges and opportunities resulted in David
Thompson being promoted'to Director of Public Safety on January 9, 1996 and he was given the added responsibilities to
manage the City of Atlantic Beach Fire Department, Animal Control Division and Lifeguards; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Director of Public Safety, David Thompson was the central figure in the
consolidation of fire services with the City of Jacksonville which improved the service levels for citizens and saved the
City of Atlantic Beach considerable funds; and
WHEREAS, David Thompson was the principle architect of the City's Hurricane Disaster Plan and served as the
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator through several major hurricanes in Florida including Hurricane Floyd in
September 1999 which required the evacuation of citizens from Atlantic Beach. Through his leadership, Atlantic Beach
staff also responded to numerous calls for assistance from other cities in the southeast that had been devastated by
hurricanes; and
WHEREAS, David Thompson took on additional responsibilities from January 12, 1999 to October 3, 1999 when
he served as Acting City Manager while a new City Manager was recruited and has continued to fill in occasionally when
the City Manager was out of town; and
WHEREAS, on September 30, 2008, David Thompson retired as Director of Public Safety after 25 years of
service to accept the position of Assistant City Manager in which he served with distinction accomplishing many strategic
priorities set by the City Commission; and
WHEREAS, as Assistant City Manager, David Thompson was instrumental in obtaining several millions of
dollars in grants and he has completed or applied for over $2.3 million dollars in grants in fiscal years 20 10-11 alone.
Funding obtained from these grants was used for many of the City's projects ranging from security improvements to City
facilities, acquisition and development of several parks, sewer system rehabilitation and energy efficiency improvements
which would not have been obtained without David Thompson finding funding sources, preparing the applications,
diligently pursuing approvals and handling project administration; and
WHEREAS, David Thompson has earned the affection of a host of area residents who are proud to call him
"friend" by giving most generously of his time, talents, and energy to the Atlantic Beach community in many ways
including coaching 9 to 12 year old girls softball teams and has thereby won the high regard of the City Commission and
citizens of Atlantic Beach.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida, hereby
expresses its deep appreciation for the service and contributions of David Thompson and on behalf of the citizens of
Atlantic Beach extend heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for continued success and happiness in the future.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission, this 9' day of January 2012.
MIKE BORNO
Mayor
Approved as to form and correctness:
ALAN C. JENSEN, ESQUIRE
City Attorney
ATTEST:
DONNA BARTLE, CMC
City Clerk