FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. - John Scanlon, Chairman of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Commission, was arrested on drug charges on Fort Myers Beach New Years Day.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office says deputies caught the 51-year-old opening a beer at a county park on Estero Blvd.

When Deputy Lalor approached Scanlon, he says he saw him quickly close the rear hatch of his Jeep. The deputy says he could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle and could see smoke inside the vehicle.

When asked if there was marijuana in the vehicle, Scanlon allegedly nodded yes.

During a search of Scanlon's Jeep, deputies say they found three rolled marijuana cigarettes, two had been partially smoked.

They also found a vial of cocaine in his front pocket and four prescription pills.

Scanlon is facing charges of felony cocaine possession, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor marijuana possession and misdemeanor possession of narcotic equipment.

Scanlon was re-elected to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Commission in November. He previously served four years with the board which oversees the Fort Myers Beach Fire District. According to the Commission web-site, Scanlon serves as chairman.

The district would not comment on his arrest, saying it would be inappropriate.