Mark Dronet, who in January marked 25 years with the Biloxi Fire Department, was unanimously approved as acting director of the fire department during the City Council meeting Tuesday.
As acting director, the 49-year-old Dronet will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 140-member department while the city continues its search for a successor to retiring Fire Chief David Roberts, whose last official day with the city is May 7.
Dronet, a Biloxi native, joined the Biloxi Fire Department as a firefighter on Jan. 6, 1988. Eight years, later he was named an inspector, where his role included investigating the origin of fires, reviewing construction documents, testing fire protection systems, and helping educate the public about fire safety.
Six years later, in 2002, Dronet was named the department’s Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention, a position he has held for 11 years.
As Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention, Dronet has helped coordinate the city’s efforts to promote fire safety in homes and businesses through smoke detector programs and safety inspections. He has also launched a program called Fire Academy For Kids, where dozens of youngsters each year spend a week learning about firefighting and fire safety.
Excel By Five to host Hop the Trail to Bunny Land
Youngsters 5 and under are being invited to Biloxi Excel By Five’s Hop the Trail to Bunny Land on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Biloxi Town Green.
In this free event, children can celebrate the arrival of spring by participating in fun hands-on activities such as eggs in the basket, tissue paper eggs, and egg shakers. Parents are encouraged to bring their camera to take pictures with the Bunny Rabbit, who will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Hop the Trail to Bunny Land is sponsored by Biloxi Excel By Five Coalition, City of Biloxi and Biloxi Public Schools.
For additional information, please contact Susan Hunt 228-297-6808, susan.hunt@biloxischools.net or Sherry Bell 228-388-7170, programs@biloxi.ms.us.
Elsewhere: For a look at the overall weekend lineup, as compiled by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau,
click here.
News and notes
Popp’s Ferry extension: No vote was taken, but City Council members seemed to favor Route B on the proposal to extend Popp’s Ferry Road from Pass Road to U.S. 90. To see the routes and status of the project,
click here.
Weekend photos: To see photographs from the Hibernia Marching Society St. Patrick’s parade and from the children’s activities area of Grillin’ on the Green, click here.
Council photos: To see images from Tuesday’s City Council meeting, click here.
