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Sevier County emergency services outline staffing, equipment timelines and new public safety warehouse
Summary
At an Aug. 8 Emergency Services Committee meeting, department leaders reported hiring and recruitment for Fire/Rescue, ambulance delivery schedules for EMS, jail security upgrades and details on a newly purchased 74,000 sq. ft. public safety warehouse slated to house multiple emergency functions.
Sevier County emergency services leaders provided committee members with updates on staffing, equipment deliveries, facility work and a newly acquired public safety warehouse at the Emergency Services Committee meeting on Aug. 8.
Commissioner Bryan Delius called the meeting to order at 6:13 PM and recognized Chief David Puckett, who presented the Department of Fire Prevention and Response’s monthly report. Puckett said the department is interviewing for four inspector positions, hired a permit technician in July and reported that more than 300 people attended the 3rd Annual Wildfire Preparedness Expo. Puckett also answered committee questions about burn permits.
Director Joe Ayers delivered the Department of Emergency Management report and described the county’s plans for a centrally located public safety warehouse. Ayers said the county purchased a 74,000‑square‑foot warehouse in John L. Marshall Park in 2023; the facility will be used for bulk storage of emergency equipment and is planned as the future home for Emergency Management (EMA), Fire/Rescue, the Medical Examiner and Central Communications.
Director Rick Valentine told the committee that three ambulances purchased in last year’s budget are scheduled to be delivered in the fall, while ambulances included in the FY24 budget have been ordered and are expected to arrive in about 16–18 months.
Director Joe Brown reported the Department of Juvenile Detention is finalizing its federal audit. Director Andrew Whaley presented the Central Communications (E‑911) monthly report; no formal actions were recorded on his update.
Sheriff Michael Hodges said construction has begun on the former Records building, the office purchased eight new cruisers and new cameras are being installed in single‑cell jail facilities. Jail Administrator Steve Layman presented a disciplinary report for the Jail and Annex, had committee members sign it during the meeting and will submit the signed report as filed.
The meeting concluded after Commissioner Jack Parton moved to adjourn and Commissioner Michael Maddron seconded; the committee adjourned at 7:06 PM.
The session consisted of informational departmental reports; no ordinances or budget votes were taken during the meeting.
