Cole County Emergency Services restructures for new emergency management leadership

During the Cole County Commission Meeting on June 3, 2025, officials addressed the urgent need for an emergency management director following the departure of the previous director. With the interim director, Bill Farr, nearing the end of his term, the commission discussed potential solutions to fill this critical role.

Chief Hoy presented a proposal to create a unified agency under Cole County Emergency Services, which would consist of two operational divisions: emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency management. This approach aims to leverage existing county employees who possess relevant qualifications, thereby addressing the vacancy without incurring significant additional costs. The plan involves promoting current staff members, Chief Gibson and Chief Kennedy, to lead the emergency management division, utilizing their extensive backgrounds in emergency response and management.

The proposed structure is designed to enhance operational efficiency by combining resources and expertise from both divisions. This consolidation is expected to improve coordination during emergencies while maintaining a clear chain of command. The commission emphasized the importance of having qualified personnel in place to ensure effective disaster response and management.

Financially, the initiative is projected to have a minimal impact, with an estimated budget increase of $24,000 to accommodate the new roles. This cost-effective strategy is seen as a way to enhance emergency management capabilities while utilizing existing resources.

In addition to staffing changes, the commission discussed the need to update the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city of Jefferson to reflect the new organizational structure and ensure seamless collaboration in emergency management efforts. The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize operational readiness, including the development of standardized policies and conducting joint training exercises with local agencies.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's proactive approach to emergency management, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and collaboration in safeguarding the community. As the commission moves forward with these changes, the focus will remain on enhancing the county's emergency response capabilities and ensuring that all staff are adequately trained for their roles in disaster situations.