On June 13, 2018 Commissioner Melanie Marken was awarded her Certified District Official (CDO) by the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) at their annual meeting in Orlando. Combined with a demanding job as a paralegal for Sarasota County and her commitment as Commissioner to Southern Manatee Fire Rescue (SMFR), Melanie has dedicated three years of time and effort into obtaining this well respected certification. Melanie has proven herself to be a skilled and dedicated Commissioner and this certification will only sharpen her abilities. Over the years Commissioner Marken has demonstrated her professionalism and dedication to SMFR in many ways, including serving as the Commission Secretary, attending the Citizen’s fire academy and Commission Board representative on the Audit Committee. In obtaining this level of education it only bears out her desire to help SMFR excel in all facets of our operation.