by Leah Justice
leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Hugs and some tears abound the Polk County Commissioner meeting on Monday, Sept. 8 when Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill honored volunteer officer Arthur Bourbeau for his service to the county.

Hill said a lot of people come to Columbus on Wednesdays (when court is occurring) and know what it looks like and lately court has been happening three to four times per week.

“One day we had 700 on the docket with three courtrooms going,” Hill said. “It requires a lot of manpower.”

But he said he has one man who doesn’t miss a day. A man who has been dedicated and has stood by the sheriff’s side.

“He takes his job seriously,” Hill said.

Hill said Bourbeau showed up to the sheriff’s office wanting to work. Bourbeau is a Green Creek fireman and wanted to stay busy so Hill found a way and put him in charge of the metal detector machine at the courthouse.

“We call him Boss Man,” Hill said. “He’s done a great job.”

Wednesdays at the sheriff’s office are now known as spaghetti day for Bourbeau as Hill said they try to take care of him. Hill also said everyone “loves Boss Man to death.”

“From the time he started volunteering we’re probably looking at over 4,000 hours he’s volunteered his time,” Hill said. “I get volunteers and I tell you, the money he has saved the taxpayers. You can imagine what 4,000 hours would cost.”

Hill invited anyone in the community to volunteer, saying the sheriff’s office trains and takes care of their volunteers.

Hill presented Bourbeau with a plaque for his 4,000 hours of service so far. Bourbeau said later he at least another 4,000 hours in him to volunteer.

Bourbeau received a standing ovation from commissioners and the audience.