OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Members of the North County Water District Board observe a moment of silence this month for Richard Purol, the chairman of the board, who passed away in February.

With hearts heavy after the passing of Chairman Richard Purol in February, the North County Water District’s board moved ahead this month.

Their meeting started with a moment of silence for Purol. He was a longtime town of Dunkirk supervisor and a charter member of the NCWD board.

The board soon moved to name a new chairman. Dan Pacos nominated John Walker, the vice chairman. Approval was unanimous.

In turn, Walker nominated Pacos to be the new vice chairman. “His expertise in finance is greatly appreciated by all of us,” Walker said.

“I think you guys work well together,” board member Terry Niebel said to Pacos and Walker. “That would make a great team.”

Pacos’ approval as vice-chairman was also unanimous.

Juan Pagan, the town of Dunkirk’s acting supervisor, spoke warmly of Purol. Pagan attended the district meeting as the town’s representative.

He said he was filling in “for our brother, Richard Purol, who we miss for sure.” Pagan added, “The town of Dunkirk, like Richard, supports this endeavor (the North County Water District).”

He hopes to “continue his legacy and the town’s work” on water districts. The town of Dunkirk board will name a permanent supervisor at its March 21 meeting, he said.

“On a personal note, I lost a great friend,” Pagan said. “He was a mentor to me. I learned a lot… from what he had to teach and promote.”

Niebel said to Pagan, “You got some giant shoes to fill. He was an outstanding leader and town supervisor… he did a lot for the North County Water District.”