Alex Douglas says he “grew up” at the Escambia County Courthouse — a job he held since he was a teen still in school.

That career came to an end Wednesday afternoon when the maintenance man who served the county for 30 years retired from the job.

“This has been a second home for me for 32 years,” Douglas said during a retirement reception held in the commission chambers at the Escambia County Courthouse. “I’m still gonna work. But it will be at hunting and fishing.”

Commission Chairman David Stokes was on hand to present a plaque of appreciation and employees at the courthouse dropped by to wish the new retiree well.

“When all of this started, Alex was working part-time with the CETA program,” Stokes said. “Time has certainly flown by.”

Maxine Butts, an employee in the probate office for many years, said Douglas was always helpful beyond what was required of the job.

“I worked here for 28 years,” Butts said. “Alex was always there to help out in our office with whatever we need. He never grumbled or complained about anything we asked him to do.”

County officials were joined by a standing-room-only crowd for a reception held in honor of Douglas and the more than 30 years of service to Escambia County.