At the February 27 meeting of the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District, Bart Winkler, one of the governing board’s five original members, officially said his goodbyes to the commission and the district’s personnel.
Submitting his letter of resignation on February 9, Commissioner Winkler told his peers that he would stay on as long as he felt he could contribute but that the time had come to pass the torch to someone else.
Expressing his love for the district and its mission, Winkler said his decision to retire was not an easy one, but it was the right one.
At the meeting, as Chairwoman Pam Hilsman and Chief Warren Ashmore presented him with a plaque commemorating his service, an emotional Winkler told the room, “I’ve always heard that the best speeches are made of just a few words, so I’m going to share a few words with you. I’m done. I love you. I’ll miss you. Be safe. Goodbye.”
With well-wishers in attendance to thank him for his time and service, everyone in the room hugged Winkler before the commission returned to its regular business session.
Upon returning to regular session, Vice Chair Scott Owens motioned for Winkler’s replacement.
“With the submission of Commissioner Bart Winkler’s resignation, tendered and effective February 9, 2017, I move that tonight, on the occasion of his retirement, the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District Commission thank him for his work and dedication to the people of the District and that to continue the work of the District, we nominate Diana Winkler to fill the unexpired portion of his term,” Owens said.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. According to the section of state law that governs the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District, “A vacancy occurring on the commission by reason of death, resignation, incapacity, or otherwise, must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by the Governor upon recommendation by the members of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives who represent the district.”
The commission’s nomination of Bart Winkler’s wife Diana has been given to the district’s legislative delegation and will be forwarded to Governor Henry McMaster for approval.
“I’ve done more for this district by retiring than I did as a commissioner,” Winkler said. Smiling at Diana, he added, “I gave you her.”