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Richland County appoints interim emergency services and emergency management leaders amid staffing concerns
Summary
The Richland County Board on July 15 appointed Barbara Scott as interim emergency services director for three months and John Heinen as interim emergency management director through Dec. 31, 2025, after public commenters and board members raised concerns about staffing and communication around recent incidents.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors confirmed two interim appointments for the county's emergency operations on July 15, naming Barbara Scott as interim emergency services director for a three-month commitment and John Heinen as interim emergency management director through Dec. 31, 2025. The actions follow public comments and discussion that flagged staffing challenges and communication gaps in emergency services.
Officials said the appointments are short-term measures while the county searches for permanent personnel. The board voted to confirm Scott's three-month appointment on a motion by Supervisor Cooley, seconded by Supervisor Severson; the motion carried. The board separately confirmed Heinen's interim appointment, on a motion by Supervisor Severson and seconded by Supervisor Cosgrove, with the board approving the appointment to run through Dec. 31, 2025.
The appointments came after public comment from Shirley Welty, a Dayton Township resident and appointee to the joint ambulance committee, who urged the board to "become aware" of leadership and staffing challenges in emergency services and to "help solve the issues and present solutions." Welty identified herself as the township's representative on the joint ambulance committee and said the committee had been notified of forthcoming changes to the county's agreement with townships.
Board members also discussed a gap in communication following a recent incident involving emergency services. Several supervisors said the board had not been informed promptly, leaving supervisors fielding community questions without an official explanation. County leadership acknowledged legal and confidentiality limits on personnel disclosures but agreed to explore protocols to provide timely, limited updates to the board to reduce rumor and community concern.
The board and county administrator noted that emergency management and emergency services are sometimes combined and sometimes separate in other counties. The administrator said the county is exploring options to separate the two functions or absorb emergency management into another department, and that options would be brought to the executive and finance committee for review.
Discussion on the interim appointments included clarity on the duration and scope: Scott's appointment is for a three-month commitment while recruitment proceeds; Heinen's interim role was specified to continue through Dec. 31, 2025. The board did not adopt any other formal direction on organizational relocation of emergency management at the meeting.
The confirmations were presented as staffing stopgaps while the county develops a longer-term plan for emergency services leadership and communication protocols.
The board's formal motions and votes on the appointments were recorded in the meeting minutes.
