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The Austin City Council on Monday night recognized a pair of retirements as well as a promotion within the Austin Police Department.

After nearly 30 years working with the City of Austin, Park Supervisor Randy Hofner was honored for his retirement.

In all, he worked with the city for 29 years, specifically in the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department where he started as a park maintenance operator and then parks mechanic before moving into the park supervisor roll in 2012.

“I would say Randy is as good a person as they come,” said Parks and Recreation’s Director Jason Sehon. “Every day we see that still. We’re going to miss you.”

Meanwhile, the Austin Police Department’s Sgt. Mike Tischer was recognized after nearly 20 years on the force, where he also served as field training officer during his time as well as administering the evidence room for nearly the entire duration of his time with APD.

“We were very fortunate we were able to hire him,” said Austin Police Chief David McKichan. “First as a patrolman and then as a field training officer before being promoted. Mike absolutely knocked it out of the park.”

With Tischer’s exit, APD’s Jessy Betts has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Betts joined the department having come from Fillmore County, and McKichan said that he has been a mentor to the younger officers during his time with APD.

“The feedback from other supervisors has always been exemplary,” McKichan said. “In many ways he’s already been acting like a patrol sergeant.”