Commissioner Robert Lopez, right, looks at the belt buckle given to Franklin McCasland, left, for his eight years of service as a county commissioner.

A crowd of county employees gathered in the commission chambers Monday. They were there to thank commissioner Franklin McCasland for his eight years of service to the county.

Quay County Commision Chairman Franklin McCasland adjourned his final meeting on Friday in the company of friends and co-workers.

“I have been truly honored to work with Robert and Bill, serving the residents of Quay County,” McCasland said.

The commission chambers at the Quay County Courthouse were filled with county employees and McCasland’s family.

County Manager Richard Primrose presented McCasland with a belt buckle as a token of his and the county employees’ appreciation for his years of service.

“Franklin has been a tremendous help to me personally,” Primrose said. “He has offered me guidance and advice over the years, which I thank him for greatly.”

Fellow commissioners Bill Curry and Robert Lopez shared their thoughts and experiences with McCasland.

“Franklin has been very influential and supportive on upgrading the county’s staff,” Curry said. “I really hate to see him go. He has contributed his foresight in making the county a better place for us all. I am amazed how his wife was able to deal with him being gone so much with all the time and effort he has put into this county.”

Curry said over the years the commission has had several laughs, and there were several times they did not see eye-to-eye.

“Despite it all, Franklin maintained a level of professionalism which made it a joy to come to work,” said Lopez. “He set such a great example and showed patience in his work.”

McCasland thanked his fellow commissioners and those who attended his last meeting for their kind words. He said he was not sure on what the future might bring politically for him but knows the county is in good hands.

“I have the utmost confidence in Brad Bryant,” McCasland said. “I know he will do all he can to help the residents of Quay County.”

Bryant won the District 3 commissioner election and will take office Jan. 1.

“I am excited to serve the county,” Bryant said. “I think it is going to be easier than I thought. The commission is moving in a great direction, thanks to Franklin.”

Bryant said it will be impossible to fill McCasland’s shoes.

“I am going to bring my own level of commitment to the commission,” Bryant said.