Charlie Lee expresses appreciation to first responders with a catered meal

[August 11, 2021]     In wee hours of the morning of Friday, June 11th the call went out that there was a fire at the Lincoln IGA. Immediately it was all hands on deck as the Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln Rural Fire, Lincoln City Police and Logan County Sheriff’s department responded to the scene, joined by the Logan County Paramedics.

As firefighters worked to extinguish the fire at the front of the building, law enforcement officers noted signs the fire was apparently arson, set to possibly hide a burglary. They also spotted a person fleeing from the scene.

The two law enforcement agencies worked together to set up a perimeter and make an arrest of the fleeing suspect.

In the meantime, firefighters were working to extinguish the fire and if at all possible save the building. Paramedics stood by in case there were injuries during the operation.

In the end, the building was saved, though it is estimated that approximately $2,000,000 in damages were incurred.

IGA owner Charlie Lee said early that morning that he would be restoring the building and looked forward to being able to re-open within the next few months.

Work has been ongoing at the retail building since then. And hopes are still high that the store will be up and running before the end of the year.

Good friend Chris Graue said last week that he has been checking in with Charlie to see how things are going and to see if there is anything Graue personally could do to help his friend.

After a conversation or two, one day Charlie said to Graue that he wanted to do something for all the first responders who had worked to save his building and capture a suspect in the arson. He asked Graue to organize a BBQ lunch event for the first responders.

Graue was happy to oblige and recruited Bill and Steve Basso, Dave Kaesebier, and Chad Batson to help out.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the men delivered a family style meal to the Lincoln Fire Department that included bbq two ways, cold cucumber salad, baked beans and cheesy potatoes.

Graue said that they decided to do three days of meals because of the shift changes at the local departments. Lee wanted to make sure that all the first responders had the opportunity to enjoy a good meal.

On Tuesday, Lee was not available at the lunch but a large sign posted in the first bay of the fire house where tables and chairs were set up expressed Lee’s appreciation for the quick work of fire and police.

Food was hot and ready on the table at 11:30 a.m. and throughout the lunch time of day, officers and firefighters came to enjoy the great meal provided by Lee and his friends. Leftovers were left at the station for firefighters to enjoy for their supper or share with their families at home.

[Nila Smith]