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Kruse named new chairman for Lehigh fire board

By Staff | Dec 24, 2015

Cathy Kruse

It took one vote to make the difference in the naming of the new chairman of the Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District at its meeting last week.

Commissioner Linda Carter, who had earlier nominated herself as the next chairman, had to make the final decision when the vote had to go to round two because of a tie.

Carter was asked by attorney Richard Pringle to make the final vote for Cathy Kruse or incumbent Larry Becker.

Carter sat for several moments, looking at both candidates, before stating, “I vote to Kruse.”

Becker has served two years as chair.

Larry Becker

Each December, the board reorganizes. Last year, the board voted to keep the same people seated in office.

The tie came about because Carter had voted for herself with one vote, and Kruse and Becker each received two votes.

“We have a tie,” Pringle said.

It is believed that it may be the first time a woman has been named chairman.

“Thank you very much,” Kruse said, after the final vote. She had been nominated by the newest member of the board, Matt Smith.

Linda Carter

Kruse has been a vocal member of the board, known for doing her homework on different issues facing the district. She has earned the reputation as someone who will bring issues up if she believes they are important for the board and public to know about.

Her son works for the fire department.

Before the final vote, Carter joked and asked Pringle if she could split her vote.

Kruse did not immediately take the gavel from Becker, as has been the custom in the past, because the board agreed that she would take over at the Jan. 26 meeting.

The meeting will be held at Station 104, located at Sunshine Boulevard and East 16th Street.

There is a workshop on Jan. 11 that Becker will preside over.

Carter was chosen unanimously as its new vice chairman, and David Adams was selected for another term as secretary and treasurer.

He had stressed before the voting took place that whoever was chosen as chairman be available to sign checks for the district.

Pringle said each member can be a second signer on any check if the bank has been notified.

The board decided to table a discussion about an evaluation for Fire Chief John Wayne. It was put on the Jan. 26 meeting’s agenda.

Any person who wishes to speak before the board may do so.

At last week’s meeting, Dale Reisen of Lehigh, said he was very proud of the fire department and fire board. Reisen is a veteran with firefighting experience.

He said he talked to firefighters before moving to Lehigh and found that there was a good attitude and good working relationship among those in the department.

“I just want you all to know that I am very proud of this fire district and all that you do,” Reisen said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Carter urged residents to be careful using fireworks over the holidays and New Year’s Eve.

“We don’t want any forest fires because of fireworks setting the brush somewhere on fire,” she said. “Also be careful with your Christmas lighting so there won’t be any fires that will damage your homes, too.”

Kruse named new chairman for Lehigh fire board

By Staff | Dec 24, 2015

Cathy Kruse

It took one vote to make the difference in the naming of the new chairman of the Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District at its meeting last week.

Commissioner Linda Carter, who had earlier nominated herself as the next chairman, had to make the final decision when the vote had to go to round two because of a tie.

Carter was asked by attorney Richard Pringle to make the final vote for Cathy Kruse or incumbent Larry Becker.

Carter sat for several moments, looking at both candidates, before stating, “I vote to Kruse.”

Becker has served two years as chair.

Larry Becker

Each December, the board reorganizes. Last year, the board voted to keep the same people seated in office.

The tie came about because Carter had voted for herself with one vote, and Kruse and Becker each received two votes.

“We have a tie,” Pringle said.

It is believed that it may be the first time a woman has been named chairman.

“Thank you very much,” Kruse said, after the final vote. She had been nominated by the newest member of the board, Matt Smith.

Linda Carter

Kruse has been a vocal member of the board, known for doing her homework on different issues facing the district. She has earned the reputation as someone who will bring issues up if she believes they are important for the board and public to know about.

Her son works for the fire department.

Before the final vote, Carter joked and asked Pringle if she could split her vote.

Kruse did not immediately take the gavel from Becker, as has been the custom in the past, because the board agreed that she would take over at the Jan. 26 meeting.

The meeting will be held at Station 104, located at Sunshine Boulevard and East 16th Street.

There is a workshop on Jan. 11 that Becker will preside over.

Carter was chosen unanimously as its new vice chairman, and David Adams was selected for another term as secretary and treasurer.

He had stressed before the voting took place that whoever was chosen as chairman be available to sign checks for the district.

Pringle said each member can be a second signer on any check if the bank has been notified.

The board decided to table a discussion about an evaluation for Fire Chief John Wayne. It was put on the Jan. 26 meeting’s agenda.

Any person who wishes to speak before the board may do so.

At last week’s meeting, Dale Reisen of Lehigh, said he was very proud of the fire department and fire board. Reisen is a veteran with firefighting experience.

He said he talked to firefighters before moving to Lehigh and found that there was a good attitude and good working relationship among those in the department.

“I just want you all to know that I am very proud of this fire district and all that you do,” Reisen said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Carter urged residents to be careful using fireworks over the holidays and New Year’s Eve.

“We don’t want any forest fires because of fireworks setting the brush somewhere on fire,” she said. “Also be careful with your Christmas lighting so there won’t be any fires that will damage your homes, too.”