Major Powell receives Beach key and certificate
Newly appointed Major Matt Powell of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and the Key to the Town of Fort Myers Beach at a special ceremony at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 15680 Pine Ridge Rd.
Powell, who was unaware of the informal gathering, appeared surprised when he entered the room and saw many of his fellow officers as well as former and current Beach officials smiling at him. FMB Mayor Larry Kiker approached the major and joked, “The last time I saw you as captain, we were the same height.” Kiker then offered his gratitude.
“We thank you and your officers for the service and protection that you provide our island,” he said. “We certainly appreciate everything you have done for us. You certainly set a good course for communication.”
Powell, who is now in charge of all the districts for the sheriff’s office, was handed the certificate which praised him for his “tireless dedication to the Town of Fort Myers Beach and in recognition of being an essential member of the town as resident, friend and neighbor” and his “exemplary service to the community and to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.” He then was handed the key to the town.
Powell, who was Lieutenant and Captain of the West District before his promotion to major, was humbled by the gesture.
“It’s an honor,” he said. “I thank every one of you in this room for getting me to where I am at because I wouldn’t be here without you. I’ve enjoyed the time when I was privileged to serve you on the Beach, and I loved directing traffic at the Beach light. Just know you have a friend downtown.”
Sheriff Mike Scott offered some kind words for his new major.
“Matt has not only worked a lot professionally on the Beach, he’s done so much personally over the years there,” Scott said. “Obviously, I’m very fond of him, his work product and having him brought into my executive command staff. It’s probably bittersweet for the Beach. They lose Matt Powell, but it’s a good thing with his promotion.”
Scott then spoke on Powell’s replacement at the West District command.
“I’m confident with the succession behind him now,” he said. “(Captain) Matt LeClair is a really good guy who was groomed by Matt Powell. So, there is a lot of continuity and consistency. I think we are going to be fine.”
Besides Kiker, Beach officials at the ceremony included FMB Council members Bob Raymond, Jo List, and Vice Mayor Herb Acken; retiring interim Town Manager Jack Green; former FMB mayors Dan Hughes, Bill Van Duzer and Dennis Boback and former FMB Councilman Bill Shenko, Jr.