November 2007

contributed photo

The proud father of four, FKEC's Bernie Lietaert shared this recent picture of himself with his children after a successful fishing trip. Pictured from left: Bernie Jr. (10), Rob (13), Stephanie (14), Bernie and John (13).

Meet Bernie Lietaert...

Bernie Lietaert grew up in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, near Detroit and is from a family of 14 children with 10 boys and four girls. His parents and one brother have passed but he says the rest of his family is "healthy wealthy and wise." He also says he has a lot of cool nieces and nephews.

Lietaert has four amazing children of his own. "My kids are all very good students as well as athletes and are involved in their schools, church and community," says Lietaert with a proud smile on his face.

In addition to his duties as an Apprentice Lineman at FKEC, Lietaert also makes time to participate in Little League. For the past 30 years he has served the local Little League as a coach, umpire, and off-and-on as a board member. Lietaert is also a State High School Official.

"I enjoy working with all the kids, but especially appreciate spending time with my own," he said.

While Lietaert says he misses the change of seasons in Michigan, he admits he doesn't miss shoveling snow.

"The weather in the Keys is about the best you can find," he said. "It's been great living in the Keys. We have a good school system, good churches, good parks and of course a great electric cooperative."

Lietaert joined FKEC as a member of the Right-of-Way Tree Crew in 2001. In 2004, he was accepted into the four-year Apprentice Lineman program and is now working on earning his Journeyman Lineman designation.