LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 8, 1999

GRAMERCY – Qualifying dates and elections have been scheduled for the successor of Gramercy Police Chief Michael Kahl Sr., who died in a trafficaccident last month.

Louisiana Secretary of State Fox McKeithen set qualifying dates of Jan.

26-28, a first primary election date of March 14 and a runoff election, if necessary, for April 15.

Kahl, 43, died in the line of duty in a two-vehicle accident on Oct. 18, ashe returned to Gramercy from a court appearance in LaPlace.

Meanwhile, Gramercy Mayor Ronald St. Pierre appointed David Dufrene, aGramercy resident as required and a St. James Parish sheriff’s deputy, asinterim chief.

Dufrene, 36, is a nine-year veteran, who has been working lately at the alternative school.

St. Pierre added that if Dufrene chose, he could run for the permanent post.Meanwhile, a fund to assist Kahl’s surviving family is established at First American Bank in Vacherie. Kahl is survived by his wife and six children.Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so at any branch of First American Bank and Trust Company, or mail a donation to First American Bank, P.O. Box 550, Vacherie, La. 70090-0550.

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