Candidate questionnaire: Dennis E. Koeberl

NAME: Dennis E. Koeberl

AGE: 60

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO

OCCUPATION:

General Mechanic Lead for all University vehicles and maintenance equipment since 1995, Pest Control Technician since 1991, Retired in Jan 2012 from the Missouri Army National Guard after 41+ years of service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Married to Doris I. Neilson in 1973

PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT:

Served on Fruitland Area Fire Board = 1994-2004

Served as Fruitland Area Fire Board Chairman = 2000-2004

Served on Whispering Heights Homeowners Association, Fruitland, MO

Served on St. John's Lutheran Church, Pocahontas, MO Church Council = 15+ years

Chairman of St. John's Lutheran Church, Pocahontas, MO = 10+ years

EMPLOYER:

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

Past owner of Neil's Pest Control Service, Jackson, MO

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THE DISTRICT?

Our district is growing with both residential and commercial properties. We need to continue to improve our service to protect life and property. We need to make sure the best up-to-date training is made available to our Firefighters and First Responders. We need to protect everyone in the district while making sure we do not over spend. It is important to make sure your tax dollars are used wisely and that we get the most value out of the dollars we spend. Our equipment must be maintained properly to protect the tax dollars that are spent. Our district needs to continue to work to lower our ISO ratings which will help to reduce insurance premiums.

WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND OR EDUCATION MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS OFFICE?

I was trained as a mechanic in 1970. I have worked on small engine and heavy equipment. I have been a Firefighter since the Fruitland Area Fire District was formed in 1977. I am currently serving as a Captain with the department. I have my Certification in Fire Fighter 1 & 2 and Vehicle Extrication. I have kept up my education by attending numerous University of Missouri Extension Fire Fighter classes over the past 35 years. I have served on the Fruitland Fire District Board in the past and had to step down when my National Guard unit was activated and deployed to Iraq in 2004. While serving in Iraq, I was in charge of the maintenance of 185+ pieces of equipment belonging to the 1140th Engineer Battalion.