City Building Inspector Walter Temple is returning to work inhis hometown of McComb, but he said that doesn’t make leavingBrookhaven easy for him.

“The letter I wrote said that I had enjoyed working here, andthat I had really enjoyed working with all the department heads.The mayor and the board have all been great,” said Temple. “I’mgoing to miss it. It’s been an enjoyable time for me.”

Temple, whose last day is Friday, has been the city buildinginspector for the last two years, and will be moving on to overseethe inspection, zoning, planning and development of McComb. He saidhe will also be involved in community development and working withMain Street projects and historic preservation.

“They made it worthwhile to go back, and I’m sad to leave. Butmy family and friends are tickled to death to have me back withinreach,” he said.

Having only worked in Brookhaven for two years, it would seemTemple’s leaving the job wouldn’t be any more than a routinechanging of the guard. But the quiet man with the quick smile willbe greatly missed by people all over city hall.

“Although I’ve worked with Walter only a short period of time,I’ve really enjoyed working with him,” said office worker SamanthaMelancon. “He’s a great person and we will all miss him in theoffice.”

Public Works Director Steve Moreton said Temple’s news wasstunning, and that he felt like he has lost his right hand.

“He was great,” said Moreton. “I went after him while he was inMcComb, and I was successful and I was proud of that. He is a goodfriend and a great employee, and the public received him verywell.”

Mayor Bob Massengill said Temple’s leaving was Brookhaven’s lossfor many reasons.

“Walter was a professional who knew the building industry andbrought with him a lot of experience. He treated folks in a fairmanner and was always consistent in what he did, and that’s what welook for in our city,” he said. “Well miss him.”

Massengill said while Temple’s leaving saddens the city, hisreturning home would undoubtedly be a good thing for him.

“We know McComb hated to lose him for the two years that theylost him, and they’ll be welcoming him back because he does anoutstanding job,” he said.

Temple said he’s excited about the new position because of thechallenges that await him.

“There’s going to be some reorganizations of ordinances andcodes, and getting on track some things that have been neglected,”he said.

Moreton said he currently has 12 applications on his desk. Dueto annexation, he said he’s looking to hire two new buildinginspectors.