Two new members named to East County fire board

Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler named Connie Exler and Terrence Kelley Thursday to the East County Fire Protection District Board, said J.P. Clubb, attorney for the board.

The appointments fill two spots left vacant when the previous members resigned; one has been empty for more than a year.

"I am very pleased the court has filled these vacancies so quickly, and I thank everyone who expressed interest in serving on the board," current board member Pamela Allen said.

Prospective board members discussed their reasons for wanting to fill the vacancies at a hearing before Syler on Thursday morning at the Cape Girardeau Common Pleas Courthouse.

"One of the great things about this job is that I get to do things I've never done before," said Syler, who had never previously held a hearing to appoint members to a fire district board.

Syler questioned each applicant about their experience with fire departments and serving on boards.

"I've observed a lot, and done a lot of research on the law," Exler said.

She said she tries to attend as many board meetings as possible.

Kelley said he doesn't have any experience working at a fire department but that he has served on a few boards, including the Boy Scouts of America.

"I think I could bring an open mind," Kelley said.

The district will meet for the first time with a full board since April 2007 at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Egypt Mills Fire Station.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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