Esham honored as Deputy of Month at Chamber lunch
Each month, the North Fort Myers Chamber salutes a local law enforcement agent with the Deputy of the Month Award.
This month, Sgt. Jeffrey Esham, who is well known in the community, was honored.
He garnished the award as a results of his actions regarding a burglary and aggravated assault incident, said Lt. Brian Kyle, who nominated Esham for the honor.
“On Dec. 30, 2008, Sgt. Jeff Esham spotted the suspect vehicle that fled from a burglary that had just occurred in North Fort Myers. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the suspect struck Sgt. Esham’s marked patrol car and another motorist with his,” said Kyle. “Just after this, upon the suspect vehicle getting to the foot of the Cleveland Avenue Bridge, Sgt. Esham used his vehicle to quickly stop the pursuit from going any farther and over the bridge into a more populated area so no innocent lives would be endangered,”
“Thanks to Sgt. Esham’s keen observations in locating the suspect vehicle and the quick apprehension of the suspect. No other people became victims, and a criminal has been locked up in the Lee County Jail.”
The Deputy of the Month award was sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.
Chamber news
The last monthly meeting of the Chamber was held at Nestor’s Restaurant, with new members being guest speakers.
Mike Strickland of Strickland Financial, along with son Malcolm, talked about financial issues facing small businesses. He talked about qualified retirement plans, mortgages, tax deductions and a variety of other issues, especially how they’ve changed in this economy.
Another speaker was Marie Snyder of H & R Block, who also talked taxes, and noted that there are three North Fort Myers locations for that company.
Another new member is Arizona Pizza Company.
President John Gardner reminded all of the upcoming Chamber Grand Re-opening, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m.
“That Thursday will be a big event for us,” said new president Gardner. “We’re looking for a big crowd and will be showcasing the Welcome Center.”
The event will be held at the Shell Factory and Nature Park in the Dolphin Room, but first there will be a ribbon cutting for the new offices across the way in the Factory. “Be there at 5:30 p.m. if you want to be part of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,” said Executive Director Dina Porter.
Gardner also reminded everyone to vote for Honorary Mayor through the Chambers’ Web site. “The inauguration will be on Friday, Feb. 6, also at the Dolphin Room. It won’t be as big as the recent presidential inauguration, but it has turned out to be one of our biggest yearly events.”
Table sponsorships are $25.
For information, call the chamber at 997-9111.