Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 8, 2016 4:19 p.m.
Retirement of Carol Cibel
The city of Fernandina Beach recognized one of its own Tuesday night in a proclamation paying tribute to Carol Cibel, who retired last month after 31 years of service in the Fire-Rescue Department with 18 Fire Chiefs. According to the proclamation read by Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller, Cibel’s contributions were vast and immeasurable. She served as Administrative Coordinator “with professionalism, integrity, and expertise. Her daily operation of the Fire Department was efficient, well organized and productive. She was an accomplished and self-directed employee who required little direction.”
City Hall chambers were packed with her many friends and coworkers, a living testament to the words in the proclamation. Following a round of applause for Cibel at the conclusion of the proclamation, Fire Chief Ty Silcox stepped forward. “That proclamation does not even express everything that Carol has done for the Fire Department. I’ve been the chief now for going on 11 months, and she’s kept me out of trouble. She’s done so much for our department, and she is going to be greatly missed.” Silcox presented Cibel with a retirement plaque on behalf of the city.
Cibel thanked Silcox for making her last year with the Fire Department “one of the best in a long time.” She also thanked past and current firefighters adding that she “hoped to see them on the street, not in a bad way, but in a good way.”
On behalf of the professional firefighters Steven Henderson, Engineer/Paramedic with the Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue Department, also presented Cibel with a plaque thanking her for her service and congratulating her on her retirement.
City proclaims May 26, 2016 Rotary Day
Mayor Johnny Miller declared May 26, 2016 as Rotary Day in recognition of the organization’s numerous community enrichment projects. The Fernandina Beach Rotary Club was formed on May 26, 1926. During its 90 years of existence club members awarded more than $350,000 in scholarship funds to area high school graduates; supported the Fernandina Beach High School Interact Club for 50 years; supported Boy Scout Troop 89 for 80 years; and distributed dictionaries to all Nassau County third grade students. Mayor Miller thanked the Rotary Club for fostering the ideal of service to others.
In accepting the proclamation, Club President John Boylan thanked the city. He said, “We are proud of our 90 years of service to Fernandina Beach, and we look forward to another 90.”
City receives recognition from the Character Program
Virginia Mengus presented the city with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Character Program. This 80 year-old program provides character lessons to children. In Nassau County, the program is administered by Renee Graham of the Sheriff’s Department to first and third grade students. The program emphasizes showing respect and following through on what children say they will do. The City of Fernandina Beach helps sponsor this program locally.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.