🌟 2025 Special Recognitions 🌟

At last night’s City Council meeting, we were honored to celebrate three outstanding members of our community:

👮 Darrell Haynes – Police Department Retirement
We extend our deepest gratitude to Officer Haynes for his dedicated service and commitment to keeping our community safe for the last 16 years. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, and thank you for your years of courage, professionalism, and leadership.

🏛️ Tim Robben – City Council Completion of 4-year Term
We also recognized Council Member Robben for his 4 years of public service. His guidance, advocacy, and steady leadership have made a lasting impact on our city. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.

🌟 Roy Riggs– 2025 Citizen of the Year

It is with great pride and respect that Roy Riggs has been named Clearwater’s Citizen of the Year 2025.

Roy has been a dedicated member of the Clearwater community since 1981, making a lasting impact through his leadership, service, and commitment to others.

Roy first came to Clearwater in 1981 as an elementary school teacher and part-time principal. Through hard work and dedication, he eventually became the principal at Clearwater Elementary School and later at the Clearwater Intermediate Center when it was established. Beyond his educational career, Roy worked locally during summers—first at Myers as a bag boy and later at the Clearwater Co-op—further demonstrating his commitment to his community and its people.

In 1981, Roy also began serving with the Clearwater Police Department as a volunteer reserve and part-time officer. Over the years, he has held the roles of Range Master and Armorer, and he has continued to serve in law enforcement in some capacity since the age of 20. His mentorship and guidance have influenced every officer who has come through the Clearwater Police Department, earning him deep respect within the department and beyond.

Roy’s dedication to service extends far beyond his professional life. He is an active member of the Methodist Church, where he has participated in several mission trips to assist those in need across the United States. He is also a proud member of the Masonic Hall and the American Legion.

Before his many years of service in Clearwater, Roy honorably served his country in the United States Navy, where he helped guard the Vice President’s residence during the riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He continued his military service for an additional eight years in the Naval Reserves.

In addition to his roles in education, law enforcement, and the military, Roy has also served the Clearwater community as a City Council member and as a member of the USD 264 School Board. His lifelong dedication to education, public service, and community betterment embodies the very spirit of what it means to be a citizen of the year.

Roy Riggs is a humble, hardworking, and compassionate individual who has spent decades improving the lives of others through service, mentorship, and leadership. Clearwater is a better place because of him, and his example continues to inspire all who know him.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking these remarkable individuals for the roles they’ve played in strengthening our community.