In an effort to show support for the local police and fire departments, the owner, CEO and president of Liberty Diversified Industries (LPI) threw a family BBQ meet-and-greet at the Becker fire station Tuesday in the late afternoon.

 

Mike Fiterman, along with LPI Plant Manager Larry Newell, decided to “do something nice” for the police and fire departments and their families this week after seeing public officials “get negative publicity in the press for doing their jobs,” said Fiterman.

 

“This is a small ‘thank you’ for all you do,” Fiterman said as he addressed the 50-75 people in the truck bay.

 

Outside, one of the fireman cooked up turkey on a grill while other firefighters adorned a table with fresh sweet corn, rolls, cole slaw, beans, cupcakes and beverages. There were also piles of candy heaped in the middle of the 15-16 round tables — featured as centerpieces for the kids just days before Halloween.

 

Fiterman said he’d like to officially start a tradition of honoring the police and fire officers and their families annually with dinners, family gatherings, child scholarships, etc., as ideas for future gatherings.

 

“This is to honor those who serve and protect us but we also want to say ‘thank you’ to their families, wives, husbands and kids for their generosity and support,” Fiterman said.

 

Michael Fiterman has been CEO of 1,500-employee LDI since 1983, when he succeeded his father, Ben Fiterman. The company was founded in 1918 by Mike’s grandfather, Jack Fiterman. Today, two of Mike’s children, Jack Fiterman and Ann Miller, serve on the company’s executive board while also performing key roles in LDI companies.

 

 The paper mill in Becker was established in 1995 and Fiterman was a big part of bringing that industry to the area.