The Linn Fire Protection District (LFPD) Board of Directors welcomed their first woman board member after Dee Vaughan was sworn in during their April 21 meeting.

“This is a historic moment,” said outgoing board member Scott Bequette, who, along with President Mark Meyer, retired after many years of service and were replaced on the board by Vaughan and Brad Gabelsberger. “The first woman board member is a big deal.”

LFPD Chief Ron Hoffman presented a meritorious award to Meyer in recognition of his 22 years of service.

“Mark’s been on the board for 22 years, I believe,” said Hoffman. “When we started 18 years ago, we owed $56,000 on a 14-year-old truck and had no money. We had one fire house. Where are we at today? We got a new truck, an aerial, five fire stations we operate out of, and 14 apparatus. We have money in the bank earmarked for new trucks, stations, and equipment, and we don’t owe a dime. I think it’s because of his leadership. Mark, thank you.”

Meyer’s award read as follows, “In recognition and grateful appreciation for your outstanding and dedicated service for 22 years to the Linn Rural Fire Association and the Linn Fire Protection District. Your commitment and dedication to the firefighters, the district, and the citizens as a board member and president directly reflects the true community spirit, and you are a shining example of community service before self.”

Bequette, an 18-year board member, was also presented with a meritorious award for his service to the community.

“First of all, Scott retired as a chief nine or 10 years ago, and he continued on the board,” said Hoffman. “We all know how important the board is. You can have the greatest firefighters in the world, which we do, the greatest auxiliary in the world, which we do, but without a good board, which he is a part of, we would not be anything.”

Bequette’s award read as follows: “In recognition and grateful appreciation for your outstanding and dedicated service for 18 years as a district board member. Also, as a retired firefighter, your commitment to the citizens of our community and your duty to this department is a shining example of community service before self. You are a mentor for generations to come. You will be greatly missed.”

LFPD Secretary/Treasurer Julie Ruettgers swore in Vaughan and Gabelsberger. Scott Herndon was elected president, and returning board member Mike Ely, re-elected on April 5, was chosen to serve as vice president.

During his report to the board, Hoffman said that all but one SCBA unit passed testing.

“One had a bell activator that didn’t work,” said Hoffman. “I’m not happy because those are only 10-year-old SCBAs. Out of 21, one did not pass, but the rest are good.”

Hoffman informed the board he would be going to Fire Department International Conference for training the week of April 25.

Hoffman reported that thank-you cards were received from Sherrie Paulsmeyer for helping with her benefit and the Soil and Water Conservation District for letting them use facilities for training.

Hoffman told the board that the district finally received five handheld radios that were ordered in November.

Bills totaling $4,925.82 were approved.

Reuttgers’ report showed a checking balance of $126,817.44, a savings balance of $171,670.72, and a certificate of deposit balance of $310,237.49.

The meeting time will be changed to 7 p.m. moving forward, with the next meeting to be held on May 19.