On Tuesday, October 18, the Village of Walden board of trustees announced that Dean Stickles, long-time village building inspector, will be retiring.

Members of the board said some closing words about Stickles. “I’m going to miss your smiling face and your pearls of wisdom,” said Village Trustee Lynn E. Thompson. Village Trustee Brian B. Sebring said “Anybody coming in, they don’t have the knowledge. You’ve been here for so long and you know so much. A new person just doesn’t work.”

Stickles also thanked the board. “I would just like to say that I enjoyed working with all of you. Some of you I worked with a lot, some I didn’t work with at all, but I think we got many things done through the years. So thank you for all your support.”

Upon his exit he received applause from the board and Village of Walden residents in attendance.

Village Manager John Revella said the building inspector position has not officially been filled as of October 31.