Fire district moves forward with Scanlon suspended
Even with the suspension of Chairman John Scanlon Friday, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District is confident that it will not hinder its ability to carry out the mission of providing emergency services to the residents and visitors of the fire district, according to a report by Ramon Looby, public information officer for the local district.
Scanlon’s suspension – issued by the office of Gov. Charlie Crist – is in effect and will remain so until Crist issues an executive order to reinstate him. The decision caught the district by surprise.
“I was surprised by the governor’s actions on Friday,” said FMB Fire Chief Mike Becker. “The district attorney and myself are trying to produce a remedy of options to consider. The (chairman) seat will be vacant until government takes action.”
Also on Friday, Scanlon was accepted into pretrial diversion by the State Department of Corrections. If he fulfills all of the terms outlined by the diversion, his case could be dismissed and, if so, he will not have a criminal record, according to Samantha Syoen, spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office.
Scanlon, who is currently on an administrative leave with Lee County Emergency Medical Services after being arrested New Year’s Eve for possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, is prohibited from performing any official act, duty or function of his office. He cannot receive pay until the order is rescinded.
The suspension comes as a result of the charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office on Jan. 26, the order states.
Scanlon, who has an Early Intervention Docket hearing still slated March 18 at 8:30 a.m., has pleaded not guilty to the charges.