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Hampshire County emergency services launches new schedule and management structure; officials emphasize volunteer support and recruitment
Summary
Chief Hammock reported a new schedule and organizational structure for Hampshire County Emergency Services Agency including probationary officer roles, management training, volunteer inclusion on advisory meetings, and plans for recruitment and youth outreach; commissioners discussed funding and state legislative efforts to support EMS.
Hampshire County's emergency services agency is implementing a new staffing schedule and organizational structure that county leaders said aims to strengthen paid coverage while supporting volunteer companies.
Chief Hammock, chief of the county emergency services agency, told the commission on Feb. 25 that the agency is moving to a structure with a chief, assistant chief, captain and four lieutenants. Those officer positions will be probationary for six months, during which officers will receive management training. The schedule associated with the new structure goes into effect later this week, Hammock said.
Hammock said the agency has created policy and uniform committees and is involving employees in organizational decisions to build morale and improve work‑life balance. He said payroll budgeting for the coming year is complete and the non‑payroll budget is being finalized ahead of the county’s March 14 budget workshop.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of supporting volunteers. Hammock said volunteers will be invited to HCSA board meetings as non‑voting participants and that the agency intends to work with volunteer chiefs on recruitment and retention. He said the county cannot afford to replace the current volunteer base and described plans to pursue youth outreach, week‑long training programs and county‑wide junior programs to build a pipeline for both EMS and fire services.
Commissioner Eglanger (title as spoken) noted that recent legislative days in Charleston produced bills that could increase EMS funding at the state level; Hammock said such measures could complement the county’s EMS fee and state support to create more sustainable coverage.
Commissioners and the chief described the effort as vital and challenging for rural counties but expressed confidence in the new management approach and plans to pursue innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
