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Deputy honored at Chamber luncheon for stopping burglary

By Staff | Mar 3, 2009

Deputy Jamie Thorpe, left, is presented a certificate honoring him as the Deputy of the Month at the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week. At right is Capt. Ed. Tamayo, commander of the Bravo District, Lehigh Acres Substation, making the presentation. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Thanks to the quick efforts of Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Jamie Thorpe, two suspects who were attempting to rob a local tape rental store got the surprise of their life when he spotted them and gave chase.

Capt. Ed Tamayo, commander of Bravo District, the Lehigh Acres Substation, presented an award to Thorpe on Feb. 24 at the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The award was presented on behalf of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

Nominated for the recognition by Lt. S. Reaves, Tamayo said that on Feb. 1 sometime just before 2 a.m., Thorpe responded to the Movie Gallery at 61 Bell Blvd. because a burglar alarm had been activated.

He said that upon arrival, Thorpe began checking the rear of the store when he came across two suspects attempting to break in through a rear door.

The two suspect began running and Thorpe began a chase after them. He was able to apprehend one of the suspects identified as Jamie Ruiz. Thorpe established a perimeter with other deputies who went to the suspect’s residence and found Guzman’s brother, identified as Rubin Guzman. Both were charged with attempting to burglarize the tape rental store.

Candy Gareiss, center, and John Graham right, accept an award on behalf of Karen Makowski, CEO of Panther Bank, who was named Member of the Month at last week's monthly Chamber luncheon. At left is Richard Thomopson, chairman of the Chamber, presenting the award. Makowski was honored for all the volunteer work she does for the Chamber.

The Chamber luncheon was the first since December and the new chairman, Richard Thompson welcomed members and guests.

Several names of new businesses in Lehigh were announced as new members.

The Chamber presented its Employee of the Month Award to the Public Relations committee of the Chamber for their excellent work setting up a meeting and helping to formulate a letter to President Barack Obama prior to his arrival in Fort Myers last month.

Thompson said because of them, there was a press conference set up before Obama’s arrival at the Microtel that brought in news people from outside Lehigh.

“We were able to get our story out about the problems we have in Lehigh and how we would like to take advantage of the stimulus package,” Thompson said. At the press conference, more than 100 people signed the letter.

All the members of the Publicity Committee except Mike Whitman, who was not present, came forward to accept the award. They included Candy Gareiss, John Graham, Elsa Petrick, and Larry Ruebeling.

The Member of the Month Award went to Karen Makowski, the CEO at Panther community Bank in Lehigh. She was not able to be present but the award was accepted by Candy Gariess and John Graham on her behalf.

Then Chamber members listened to guest speaker Chuck Ley of Fort Myers who told the group about a program and and his wife have formed called “Cigars for Soldiers.”

Ley, a retired Army sergeant, said most people don’t realize it but many service men overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other parts of the world, enjoy a cigar for relaxation.

So he and his wife, with the help of Capt. Gary Camp of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, hold benefits to raise money to buy cigars to send to the troops.

“But we also send other items to them, things they need from snacks to specialty tools that they don’t have. We send the men and women hometown newspapers and hyenic items along with other things,” he said.

He said that for the past six month, his non-profit organization has send cigars and items to some 7,000 soldiers.

Camp, who is ahead of the gun range at Buckingham, invited members to the shooting range at the facility.,

“You know it wasn’t just built for the Sherrif’s Office. It’s open to the public. It is a good place to come and practice. We also offer classes on how to use a weapon and gun safety. He said there was a competition planned there this past Saturday.

Members were reminded of the next After Hours program to beheld Thursday,m May 19 at 5:30 at Little Primo Pizza and Wings located at the intersection of Lee Blvd. and SR82.

The next Lehigh Chamber membership luncheon on Tuesday, March 31 at 11 a.m. with the location to be announced. You can call 369-3322 for more information about the location.