Rich County emergency manager announces resignation; commission appoints county employee as successor

Longtime Rich County emergency manager Bryce Hilton told commissioners he is resigning after more than two decades in the role, and the commission appointed a successor after an interview process.

Why it matters: The emergency manager oversees planning, grant applications and training for county emergency preparedness. A transition in that office affects the county’s ability to administer federal and state emergency management grants and to coordinate preparedness efforts across county agencies.

Bryce Hilton addressed the commission and recounted recent training and collaborative exercises. "I've done this for 23 years," Hilton said, reflecting on his time leading emergency planning and coordination. He told commissioners he had submitted his resignation and had transferred files and hardware to his successor for continuity.

Commissioners thanked Hilton for his service and praised his efforts to keep the county prepared and to manage grants frugally. After an interview process that included Jared Johnson and Hilton, the commission moved to appoint Joe (Joey) Stocking as the next emergency manager. "I'll make a motion that we appoint Joe Stocking as our emergency manager today, moving forward," a commissioner said; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Commissioners instructed outgoing and incoming staff to complete grant paperwork, transfer EMPG/AMPG responsibilities, and ensure training and certification requirements are documented so the new manager can administer grants and, if necessary, request retroactive payments for already incurred eligible work.

Ending: Commissioners accepted Hilton's resignation with appreciation; Stocking will assume emergency manager duties and staff will support him with records transfer and training during the transition.